W bodies are cool since they engineered the vehicle to accommodate front split bench seating and column shifter. No wonder the Buick Lacrosse still had it as modern as it was!
Just a small correction here: The Intrigue was produced for five model years, 1998-2002. I sold them at my Oldsmobile dealership along with Toronados, Cutlass Supremes, Cieras, Eighty-Eights, LSSs, Ninety-Eights, Silhouettes, Bravadas, Achievas, Aleros and Auroras! I bought a 2002 Intrigue GLS from Copart in Kansas City for $625. It had 54,354 miles and was insurance-salvaged because it needed a $24 fender! It is the Tropic Teal color and is still a fantastic car!
So true! That was a mistake on my part...great catch. Awesome to meet someone who sold these cars. I had an Alero around at one point too. How did you find people took to the Intrigue? I personally loved the car, and as said in the video, it protected my sister when someone ran and red and tboned her. Solid car, smooth ride. Did it sell well? Sounds like you got a great deal on the Intrigue too. Very low low miles...really rare these days
@@NexusAuto Many customers liked the Intrigue because of the X-Files tie in, the TV commercials and the Intrigue up on the building wall along the 101 freeway. Even more would come right back from across the auto mall street after being treated so poorly at the Toyota store.
@@jeffshadow2407 That's really interesting stuff. I know Toyota has their reputation, but bad experiences will kill any sale. I was curious about the X-Files tie in you mentioned and looked it up...there was a movie cross promotion! I had no idea...i'm sure we did not get that promo here in Canada. Very cool stuff
Ageed, the Pontiac Grand Prix rules. The first one bought was a 1972...in 1975. I've had several years of the G.P. in my life, I still have a 06 G.P. I bought ten years ago. It now has 90,000 miles and I still love it!
Very informative video. Thanks for taking the time to make it. Monte at #2 and Grand Prix at #1 are excellent choices. Both very nice looking cars still to this day.
Hey Glen! Thanks for watching and leaving feedback. Definitely appreciate it, as always. I really enjoyed making this one too. It was a nice little pet project I had worked on during my downtimes. I have some other ideas, but thats for other times lol. I also agree....the Monte and Grand Prix really hold up, even a decade later. I know my GP still gets looks to this day. I am very happy with the results of the list, and I think they were perfect picks for the top spots.
Glen Halstead I agree I own a 04 grand prix.,also had a 96 Lumina great in snow,went threw snow great.had a 12 impala sucked in the snow ,spin,spin wheels.
@@robertnovotny1749 I know I rated the Lumina at number 9, but that was based on the numbers. I enjoyed the Lumina when I had it and it handled the snow so well. If I made the list on my personal feelings alone, it would have rated higher for sure. But I think we can all agree that the Grand Prix is #1 for sure. Definitely my favorite WBody car.
I feel really fortunate after watching this vid. I have a '99 Lumina LS bought used from original owner 19 years ago. No major issues yet It now has 223K miles on it. I heard the engine could last up to 400K. We''ll see... I didn't know Luminas were such low hanging W-body fruit. I would like to get chance to test drive and inspect the higher ranking W's. I'll be using this video as a guide to stalk the other cars.
It's crazy how underappreciated the Luminas are. I had one and loved it. But it has a bad perception and the numbers aren't great. I sold mine, and that person sold it to someone else, and last I knew, it was still going. I could see it hitting 400k, especially if you have the 3800 engine. Awesome to hear yours is still going strong. They are becoming a rarer and rarer car now...I don't see any in my area anymore. Would be interesting to hear your thoughts if you get a chance at other W-bodies.
I own a 98 Buick Regal LS 25th.( One owner)+ Loaded up. Leather, concert sound, touring suspension L36( 3800 series II) engine. Over 300,000 miles. Uses one quart of oil between changes. Maintained well. For example: transmission fluid changed every 30K. Recently had the nearly stopped up Catalytic converter (robbing gas mileage and power) and resonator taken off, but put a longer muffler to keep it tame as possible. Got a good sound from the rear at idle. Regular driving, quiet as a mouse on the road. Open it up and it shuts off at 108 mph very quickly. Gets grunty exhaust notes now as well. I've still love this car.
Damn, that's awesome! You have meticulously maintained your Regal. I really do like the Regals! I hope it gives you another 300k miles! My 2005 Grand Prix has a fraction of those miles! Lots of life left. I am seriously impressed with your level of care in your car!
great video! when we first came to Canada my dad bought an oldsmobile cutlass supreme. I have a lot of fond memories of that car as a kid. Overall very reliable and if something did go wrong easy to fix and cheap as well. Thanks for the little nostalgia trip!! :)
No problem at all. Whatever the Wbody car, we all have our awesome memories of them, and as a WBody enthusiast, I always love hearing stories like that. Glad to hear you enjoyed the video! Thanks for watching.
I have to agree. The 4T65E needs to be babied and handled gently, but once you know that, you know how to handle the car and it is a lot of fun. I love my 05 GP too, and will never trade it. The only way it leaves my hands is if it goes, or I do lol
@@NexusAuto just change the tranny oil every 40k klms, use dextron Vl, the filter and put some big magnets in the oil pan and the tranny is good for ever.
@@cocodog85 yeah I agree. But see, that's where the problem comes in. That service level on any modern tranny is way too much...no one should need to service a transmission that much to guarantee its life. And most owners either don't know this or find out too late. It does have a decent service life, but a higher than normal failure rate, unless you do exactly as you say here. So that's what I mean by 'babied'. Don't get me wrong, I love my GP. But it's definitely the Achilles heel of the car
I still own my 1995 Cutlass.. originally had a 3.1 liter... the engine had 540,000ish miles on it before I swapped an LS4 in it in 2020... the 3.1 was rebuilt and swapped in a dune buggy... both are still kickin... the LS4 has a 4t80 Northstar trans swap, cammed, springs, LS6 aluminum plenum, LS1 cable TB, flex fuel injectors, tuned, dynoed etc etc etc N/A, pushing 517 HP and 491 trq according to the dyno print out... the 3.1 was rebuilt cammed, springs, bored for 3.4 pistons, 3.5 plenum, LQ4 TB etc etc and was never dynoed but it works great for the application it's in right now.... I like my Cutlass.. took me 2 years to build that LS4.. stuff ain't cheap..
Niiiiice! Love hearing this stuff. And nice to see a Cutlass still kicking out there. I don't see them at all anymore. You got a lot done to it! And love that the 3100 has a second life inside a dune buggy! And yeah, definitely the opposite of cheap LOL
Got a 98 grand prix gt coupe from my dad not too long ago, in really good condition. unfortunately had some issues with interior leaks, a misfire (dead coil, easy fix), and power steering whine, but got them fixed and I love it. It is a slick looking car imo.
Awesome! Glad to hear you got all those issues fixed, and the car sounds like it is running great! I really do love those cars...especially in coupe form (which is quickly becoming incredibly rare these days). Nice to hear it's still running strong!
I drive a 2010 Chevy Impala LT (It's loaded with options) with 283k miles and man that car is amazing and my brother drives a 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix GT2 with 234k miles. We both honestly love our cars and we had no major issues apart from my Impala needed a new Power Steering Pump with two new lines, other than that they're like a rock.
I completely agree. They are amazing vehicles and so underrated. I have an 05 Grand Prix too and it still is great too! I'll never get rid of it. It's awesome that both you and your brothers W-Body cars are still going strong! They are bulletproof!
I have a 2003 Chevy Impala LS with the 3800 and I love that car and it has been a very very good car. Has never left me stranded or anything. I also have a 2006 Chevy Impala SS with the LS4 and it’s been a good car. Not like my ‘03 but still love it, I love both the 8th and 9th gen Impalas
Nice! Such underrated cars. You have a nice pair right there! They really are comfortable and smooth cars. I have a 05 Grand Prix 3800 and love it to this day. I don't think ill ever get rid of it.
Definitely agree with the Grand Prix on top, they were always the best looking W-body cars out there. I grew up in a 93, and I just bought an 04 a few weeks ago with only 143k, it’s the 10th Grand Prix in my family.
I hear that! Those 93 coupes look amazing. It's unfortunate that I don't see any of them cruising on the road anymore in my area, but they are awesome!
I certainly love my 2007 Impala LT. The 3.5 has enough power to get out of its way, while still getting decent mileage, around 22, with my heavy foot and 250,000 miles. Had it around a year now and only had to do brakes! No other major problems, and drives so nicely
@tschmidtty that's awesome! The Impala is such a great car, and sounds like yours is treating you well! Still so much life in it! Cheers to many more great years with it!
W bodies are cool. I dig the aluminum engine cradle, the 3.8 L V6 and really no complaints with the 4t65e. I've had an 05 Impala SS since 2009. 126,000 miles and luckily, I must have gotten a trans that wasnt built on a Monday or Friday. For under $1000 in bolt ons,a mail order tune and a 3.4" pulley hitting high 13s isn't half bad for an all iron, pushrod engine that came out in the mid 90s. Too bad the Impala SS didn't get the GenV blower and 3.29 w/limited slip.
The 2004-05 Impala SS is one of the most underrated cars that GM has produced. It's absolutely gorgeous and looks like a true 21st century interpretation of the 60's Impala. I'm very glad to hear you enjoy yours! I currently drive an 05 Grand Prix, and hope that someday I have an 04-05 Impala SS too!
@@hakeemsd70m I had an 04 impala ss Indy edition for almost a year I put about 10k miles on it almost no issues or very minor ones. I recently lost it the other day due to a crash and it may get totaled out I’m still waiting to see what’s Happening. I have the gen v blower and intake from a got ready for a top swap and now I don’t think I can do anything with it but I’m gonna try to fix it. They’re very good for what they are.
@@idontexist3514you need another W-body then. Don't give up. We need to rescue as many Ws as we can and keep them going. About the easiest platform ever to completely rebuild and very fun as well to rebuild, restore, race and collect. Been specializing with W-bodies for almost 19 years and been a mechanic and detailer my whole life
To me, the 5.3 liter LS4 V-8 powered W-body 2008-2009 model years were the best performing cars. They had 303 horsepower and decent fuel economy (16 city, 24 hwy). That 5.3 LS4 V-8 was powerful and it had some grunt too with the factory dual exhaust. They went 0-60 m.p.h. in 5.3 seconds and a top speed of 150 m.p.h. The performance is even more impressive when you install an aftermarket cold air intake and upgrade the dual exhaust. Those front wheel drive V-8 W-body cars pull hard. They were: Chevrolet Impala SS Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS Pontiac Grand Prix GXP Buick Lacrosse Super
I agree. Those V8 powered models were really something. Awesome cars, lots of power, easy to work on. I've seen them beat much more expensive, much sportier cars. Sleeper cars for sure
@@NexusAuto I knew a guy who owned an 2009 LS4 5.3 V-8 equipped Impala SS. He upgraded the exhaust with Corsa, equipped it with K&N cold air intake, and even upgraded the headers. The exhaust sounded nice with that throaty grunt. He drag raced a Mustang GT and Camaro SS. The Impala SS has beaten both in a quarter mile. Those LS4-equipped W-body cars are fast.
the trailblazer isnt a w body but its my favorite ss forsure. one of those in all black were r like the trackhawk before the trackhawk in my eyes. i jus love those things
I've got an 02 Grand Prix GTP with 216,000 miles on it. It's a pretty good car, still loves to get up and go. My only complaints are that I've had a lot of electrical issues with it, and it rusts pretty easily, which seems to be a problem on all W-Body cars.
Absolutely. Rust is a huge issue, especially on the strut towers and the rocker panels. Electrical is less of an issue, but still one, regardless. Hopefully they are not too much of an annoyance. I still love my GP. They are great cars!
This was a great and honest video. I concur with just about with everything you said and as being a tech for the past 20 years, your categorization is spot on! The one car that I was hoping to be #1 on your list got me all smiles because I have always been a Pontiac guy and the Grand Prix to me always exerts performance, style, and handling. In conclusion, I'm finally off to buying my 1st W body: a '02 Pontiac Grand Prix GTP/GTX...for preservation, track duty, and for the sheer enjoyment because 'wider is better!'
Thanks, glad to hear this feedback! Really appreciated! Glad to see you agree with it too, I am a Pontiac guy so I would have been biased for sure. So I am glad to see it did come out on top, regardless. I remember that wider is better slogan. I had a poster years ago with a Grand Prix (this was late 90s, like 99) with a red GP with that slogan advertising the widetrack. Love these cars since then, before I even knew what a W Body was LOL. Glad to hear you are getting a GP, And a GTX....not a common car at all! It will be awesome to do some track runs and drag strip pulls!
@@NexusAuto yup my plan is to tear it down, do a mild rebuild for street/strip use. I'm not into the eye candy valve cover paint jobs and such. I want to make it look as factory as possible with the internals of a sleeper. I've always been a fan of originality but sometimes a good tune to a street car can wake up fun cars like these and they deserve to be!
@@carrsllccarrillo6507 completely agree. It's amazing what you can unlock in some cars. Proper tuning goes a long way! Love hearing stories like this! Cars are meant to be driven!
Oh I hear you! The one I had was a 98 as well, and I really did like that vehicle. But 44k miles?! Wow...that's low. You should still have so much life out of it. In my opinion, a number 9 wbody is better than a lot of other cars out there anyways lol. Keep cruisin!
@@NexusAuto We're trying to iron out the kinks, it has a faulty radiator fan, probably due to frayed/shorted out wires. But aside from that, runs like a dream.
@@IAmMisterTterevel Considering the age, I think that is not bad at all. I am sure you will have that solved in no time...glad to see an Olds still around. I don't seem them in my area anymore.
I currently Own a 1992 Oldsmobile Cutlass supreme that I bought in 2001 and a 1996 Olds cutlass supreme that i got in 2004, the 1992 with has the 3.1 multiport and the 96 has the 3100. I'm probably the foremost expert on them in particular but I have also owned a 1990 chevy Lumina 3.1, 3.1 multiport engines are a bit underpowered but the upside is the reliability being they have a timing chain and very easy accessory belt drive line up. Water pump, alternators and power steering all on top. Downside to the cars, the Transverse Composite Leaf Spring. But all said, GM was dabbling in some technology back in 1992, the cars were ahead of their time. We won't argue that. Cheers friend.
That's awesome! You've had some great experiences with Wbodies and the Cutlass Supreme in particular too. Gotta agree with the leaf spring set up. But I love these cars overall and they were definitely underrated, underappreciated vehicles. I think that's why, those who have/had them, stand by them. And so easy to work on and reliable too (except those later model transmissions). Nice to meet a fellow fan!
And the Lumina LTZ is a fantastic looking car, get a 98 to 2000 with the 3.8 though. In reliability there is really no difference in second gen’s, ie 95 Lumina, 97 Grand Orix etc, they are even on reliability. They are the same parts under the body and last the interior.
I own a 1998 Chevy lumina and it runs nice and I’m only 18 and when we got it, it had 75,000 miles and we bought it for 1,800 I love it but we all are biased abt our first cars
@@NexusAutonothing is better than a W-body😍😍 I love these cars SO MUCH!! Back when they were all new and still today loving and rocking them just the same. Hell I actually love them even more now because of their age I can throw it in peoples faces that our cars stood the test of time and still just as good. I will keep up with these till the day I die
@mopargm9329 same here! I love my GP and I'll never get rid of it! Such an awesome car and it gets compliments to this day. I even get offers to buy it! But never getting rid of it!
@@NexusAuto good don't ever sell her. They just have that perfect personality and honestly GPs, Montes, and Impalas are just perfect for me. Plus they're about the easiest platform to completely tear apart and put back together in the driveway. I have always sworn by the W platform and the 3800 engines. So much fun I really love these cars😍 And no matter how many I buy every one is so exciting and at the same time very familiar. We need to rescue as many as possible and keep these awesome cars going. These are real cars and IMO NOT disposable. I just can't say enough good things about them! Very glad I found your channel. And i will never sell my 04 dale Jr SC Monte L67 either and your 05 GP is awesome too!! I love it
Was lucky to find a 08 GXP even an hour from where I live, for 4200 with somehow little to no body or frame rust for where I live(just some on the suspension). It did have a couple things needed but it's not like it didn't work. Still have it as a daily and get better gas mileage than my old 04 Chrysler 300m. Even a buddy of mine joked about trading his 06 Impala SS for it, mainly for just how how nice the interior in the GXPs were and the body design, though both are great cars.
You're definitely lucky to find one for sure. They're getting harder and harder to find, especially in good condition. And hey, nothing wrong with an Impala SS, but I agree, I prefer the GP interior
Very nice. I love my GM W-bodies and Chrysler LH bodies. I've had many of each and LOVED my old 02 Chrysler 300M special. I will keep buying, restoring, rebuilding, racing and collecting both GM W-bodies and Chrysler LH bodies with the 3.5 H.O and some 1st gens with the 3.3 and 3.5
I have owned three Grand Prixs, a 98 GT, 98 GTP and currently a '99 GTP coupe. They will rust under the tacked on cladding! I had a brand new '07 Monte Carlo SS that was real nice, but not perfect. I currently have my daily driver , ( a.k.a. the "Beater") 1994 Regal sedan with the 3800 series I. I'll probably keep it until I die at this point. 29 years old and only 103K miles on it! And lastly, I have a 2005 LeSabre with 73K miles on it ( last year of production).
Whoa! You've had a serious run with the Wbody and 3800 engine line! And that's seriously low miles on the Regal and LeSabre! They'll probably run forever!
@@NexusAuto I've also owned two Century wagons with the 3.1 engine. One was a '94 and one was a '95. Don't know if they were considered "W" bodies though.
Very glad to find this; most interesting. I own a 2002 Grand Prix GTP, bought new, now has 93k miles. I love the styling and it has enough power. But it also has some frustrating problems. Worst is the wooden steering [no feel at all, though synthetic PS fluid helped a bit.. Next the body which does not feel very solid, especially when encountering harsh bumps. Next, reliability is rather poor. Many expensive to repair leaks [oil and coolant], A/C failed at 70k miles, transmission at 85k [a $3600 us repair]. I also have a 1995 Oldsmobile Ninety Eight [H body], with very similar wheelbase and weight. The Oldsmobile is streets ahead: The steering actually has feel, the body is extremely solid, much roomier, quieter, more comfortable and rides a lot better. Lastly, I wish the Intrigue had scored higher. I might trade both the GP and the 98 for a really good 3.5 Intrigue GLS.
Awesome, glad to hear you enjoyed the video. Also glad to hear your GP is still on the road, but sounds like it has been quite the ordeal. I agree with some of your comments there, especially when comparing the Ninety Eight to the Wbody. Those cars are solid, roomy, and smooth. I have an 05 personally, and had a 97 before, and both were great cars, but I do find they are hit and miss. Some people have nothing but issues, and others are nothing but smooth sailing. Also, I have always been complimented for my low mileage of my 05, I am about 200000kms/125000miles, but wow, yours is low! You have a solid car lineup there. I also agree with the Intrigue comment, it pained me to rank it as low as I did, and I have nothing but good things to say about that car when we had one. But had to remove my bias and rate it on numbers, and that brought it down. But honestly, I would recommend that car, especially with the 3.5l, to anyone. Thanks for the great feedback and taking the time to comment. Very much appreciate it.
Damn!! Glad to hear you're ok. I know a couple of people who had their GP written off due to wildlife collisions...they do some serious damage. I love these cars...I'll never get rid of my 05. Those 40th anniversary models are awesome!
I almost bought a 2002 Grand Prix GT 40th Anniversary last year, but I backed out because of all the rust on the bottom 😭😭😭 I drove it and was in love with that car. I'd love to have one, but they're nearly impossible to find now. Most people didn't take care of them.
My first car was a 1998 Oldsmobile intrigue with a 3800 v6 I got in highschool a couple years ago and general maintenance was easy and it was a smooth riding car everybody who rode in it liked it until I got my Aurora which is the big brother and that car is whole story.
Awesome car! I loved the Intrigue...drove smooth and was very comfortable! We had the 3.5l engine...great powerplant. The Aurora....those are another car altogether. I've known a few people who owned both the first and second gen versions. 2nd gen owners seem to love them all around. 1st gen owners....seems to be hit or miss. Either the owners love them, or hated them. Sounds like you may be on the unhappy side with that car? Lol
@@NexusAuto Well see I loved my intrigue dearly even when she started having problems. which was Minor cooling issues and I fixed most of it in my driveway lol .However the styling of the intrigue made me step up to buy my Rora and Wheww I fell in love with that car quick. The intrigue is a good car and can be reliable but it was time to upgrade so I got the Aurora 97 black on black with the Autobahn package which I didn't know I even had at first lol.
@@zoidzoid87 awesome! Glad to hear you had a good experience with the Aurora. But favorite fact about those cars was that it broke the frame crusher machine used for testing frame strength...they had to use a truck frame crusher. I always remember that fact on those cars. Those drove so well. I'll always be a w-body guy, but I really liked those Auroras and Bonnevilles too. Sounds like the Aurora served you well!
I mentioned a minivan in another of your videos that shut down when you stepped on the brakes, Had the bad ground on the tail light housing. It was a Chevy Lumina . Piddle poor van if you ask me. Replaced the heater core in the front twice and the heater core for the rear 3 times in about 2 years, Major wiring issues. Don't get me started on the engine. It was nickle and dimeing him to death. I finally convinced him to get rid of it before it broke the bank. He agrees it was the best move he ever made. I believe he scrapped it so no one would ever have to sink that kind of money in a hole on wheels that you continuously poured money into. If you made a video on it all you wold have to say is that you'd have to be a dumb millionaire to be able to afford to keep it on the road. LOL I know. Off topic but I'm really good at that. LMAO Take care. Be safe. Merry HoHo
Oh yeah...that was one of those 'dustbuster' vans! Whoa, sounds like it was a big time money pit! That was great advice on getting rid of it. Those ones are a nightmare. The next generation like the Montana were problematic, but not as bad. Still bad though LOL. My dad had a Venture. It served us well, but it had its own share of problems! Good thing he scrapped it. Saved some poor soul from it LOL. Fun fact...I nearly got a dustbuster van in the early 2000s. That was before the problems were widespread knowledge. I changed my mind last minute and I never looked back! LOL.
Glad to find videos on these awsome GM cars they all were bullets and hella reliable when you kept them up i got a 98 olds intrigue with the 3800 and a 99 regal 3800 my two collectors out the bunch that survived all my others had grand prix Wrecked::::;:and an MC wrecked:::: my regal and intrigue are pretty much same cars just different bodies...love em both drive them over my wifes new cars so🤷
Awesome, you still have 2 bulletproof wbodies there! I am with you there. I have bought another car, but I still love my Grand Prix. I will never get rid of it! Glad you found this video!
Completely agree. The GTP COMP G are really nice, some nice unique design bits on their that make the car stand out. But I agree...all the models look amazing. I love my 05 and will never get rid of it. I still have people today, 15 yrs later, who think it is a fairly modern car, not 15 yrs old. The styling was a bit ahead of its time. And I love those engines!
@@okjeffy6581 You should double check that. There is no such thing as a 2009 Grand Prix. The Grand Prix ended production in 08, and was replaced by the G8, which launched in 08. Although named as a 8th gen Grand Prix, it is not really, and considered it's own separate model. There is no production 09 Grand Prix
Never seen a Century with buckets and center console with the column shifter. Was this a canadian version? Here in the US we only got split bench versions of the last gen Century
Your videos need ALLOT of work as far as quality goes, like omg did you do the voice over in the middle of a loud party? Soo much background noise. But the information wasn't real bad. Very good and unbiased opinions and I think your channel has the potential to go far. I definitely liked and enjoyed the video and subscribed. Needs work but good video all in all!!
Well screw you LOL. Nah, I kid. And I agree. This was a first attempt at a video like this, as I mostly film repair videos, and didnt want to invest in better audio equipment without knowing for sure how the response would be. You are confusing background noise and audio feedback from a poor mic...the room was silent with no ambient noise. But the mic was crap. But as it seems like the response was decent, I have another video in this style in the works, and I will have a better mic. Thanks for the feedback and views on the video quality...definitely appreciate it.
I agree. Even in the 90s, the oldsmobile name had already developed an 'old person' brand rep and I think that automatically turned people away from the supreme. The early 90s Grand Prix are great looking cars too, very underrated (and very rare these days). I do prefer the later models, but that is my bias, as I owned a 97 and 05. All around, great cars
@@NexusAuto I am a fan of the 96's... But i do think that is a good explanation for the olds supreme, I still like the later model Supremes coupes i kinda like the weird styling especially in white, Makes them look like a space shuttle lol
@@misterbuklau4053 That is a good way of putting it...space shuttle is right. They are very nice cars, and very underappreciated. It is unfortunate that I do not see Supremes on the road at all anymore. Virtually unknown car to those who never got to experience them.
@@misterbuklau4053 Hmmm, may be hard to find a Supreme. I was curious, and I searched my area in Ontario, Canada ,and I actually found 2...unreal! Maybe you will find one in your area.
I agree with that. The Buicks were always a much smoother ride. Had a Century and drove a late model Regal. Not performance suspension by any means, but never meant to be. You feel very little of the road. The Olds Intrigue was similar too.
I have a 02 Grand Prix GT with the 3800, great car. Other than basic parts that will fail over time like a water pump and wheel bearings, everything else works fine and is in great shape. Has 176k miles and the trans is still strong. Then again I do baby it most of the time. When I do nail it though, I’ve noticed I often leave modern cars of the same type in the dust. I miss Pontiac, imagine what they could have been releasing today 💯
I know...would love to see what the GM Performance Division would be making today. I have seen some new Camaros that people have made Trans Am bodies for....looks amazing. I love the Grand Prix, and it does leave people in the dust, They are underrated cars. I will get compliments today....some have even said it holds up against modern car design (exterior-wise). The interior is a bit dated, even in the last gen, but that is ok. Still love it! Glad to hear your 02 is still going!
@@danq_cxp3731 wow...88k miles is really low! Impressive. I love the Luminas. I had one and I called it the Surprise. It was a great joy to drive. Glad to hear yours is still going strong.
Correct me if I'm wrong but wasn't the Pontiac Grand Am, Pontiac Bonneville, and Oldsmobile Alero built on the same platform as the rest of these cars again I'm just asking so please correct me if I'm wrong.
YOU'RE WRONG! Lol. Sorry, had to say it. All in good fun 😂. Those cars are all different platforms for sure. The Grand Am and Alero are N-Body cars (along with the Malibu). It was a shorter platform. The Bonneville was G-Body, which was a much longer, bit wider platform to the W-body cars.
I don't believe it is possible, but I am not 100% sure, so don't quote me 100%. I looked at both units and the 91 unit looks to be standard hydraulic unit, while the 92 and up is has electronic controls. While I always say anything is possible with cars, if it is possible, it does not look like it is an easy job, and require a lot of work, money, and changes to the system.
Yes, this is possible. You could also just swap over to regular vacuum brakes as well if you don't want ABS. For RPO codes, you'll want to find a J65 car if you do want the regular vacuum brakes or just look at the brake master to see no electronics hanging off the side. With your car having ABS, you'll have a JL9 code and will need to find another 92 and up car with the same code.
Oh that it awesome. I have a 97 a long time ago, before my current 2005. Those are beautiful cars...really love them. i think that is a great car to take over. Glad to hear the car is still going!
I was worried the GP would not make the top at least the last Gen. As much as I love my 04 but the head room annoys me. Im 6"1 and I have sit slightly "gangsta" to fit, and that can be a bit uncomfortable.
Damn, that sucks, but I hear you. I had a 97 and my current 05. My 97 did have more head room both front and rear. I am 5'10", so I never had to consider this. I am happy the GP topped the list. I owned many of these, but my 05 is my favorite for sure. Such an annoying problem to have
@@NexusAuto Yeah but iv learned to live with it, I hope to be in my 50's one day and still be driving it. Your videos have been a big help with me just doing the every day stuff that needs to be done, I studied automotive but never really got a good hands on teacher so while I can guess the problem correctly... IE: CarTalk, I could not actually do the work. lol
@@BeeABaw that's awesome news...I hope the same for me and my GP. Thanks for that great feedback...really appreciate it. Exactly the reason I make these videos! Sounds like you had a really good handle on the theory, it was just the practical application. Glad to hear my videos have helped with that. You've given great feedback in the past and things like that keep me making videos. Thanks 👍🏾
Nice! I had a 97 as well a long time ago, but it was an SE (although it had the 3800 and not the 3100). Loved that car. Glad to hear yours is still going!
@@notsogrand2837 You can get the 3800 in the SE, but it had to picked as a special order item and was rare. I was lucky enough to find one at a car auction with the 3800 and the rear spoiler from the higher end models as extra options. I had both my 97 and 05 at one point, until someone t-boned the 97 and wrote it off. Still have my 05
@@NexusAuto Nice, sad for the 97 though, I like the 97-03 styling a little more than the 04+. I'm debating on going for a Firebird LS1 WS6 if I can get that kind of money or if not settle with an older LT1 for awhile. I want to supercharge my 97 GP but I'm sure that'd just grenade the transmission and I'd end up spending enough money where I could've just gotten the Firebird lol. That's my only gripe with the W Bodies are the trannies and mine has 208,000 on it so far so good till I throw 260hp at it.
currently own 6 grand prixs yr 99 to 02 and 4 monte carlos 1 is a 97 and 3 99 z34 cars. Love them would rather a 5 speed manual or maybe awd like cars are now but otherwise no complaints
Damn! I know some people who own multiple wbody cars...hell, I owned many over my life. But I don't think I've met someone who owns as many all at once like you. I'm impressed! That's amazing! Same here, no complaints with my current 05. Love that car
For the 5 speed option, and I apologize if you already knew this, you'll need to go after a 88-90 Supreme coupe or sedan for the 282 Getrag, 91-92 for the 284 Getrag. For the Lumina's, your only option will be the Z34 from 91-93 and only the 284. For the Grand Prix, again, 88-90 for the 282 and 91-93 for the 284.
Great video. Very sweet comment about your sister. I've owned 3 gtps and agree they are the best but I think you need a sub category for the Regal GS. I just got one because I loved suping my gtp to over 400hp very inexpensively, but hated guys trying to race be because the secret is out. Most people still don't know about regal gs having the same engine and being a great sleeper. I love mine. I would put it 3 on the list. I think Monte Carlos had huge blind spots and didn't have the supercharged v6 for very many years which ranks it lower to me. The impala at 2 was good. Always liked those. The SS were great too!
The Regal GS is an underrated car for sure. I liked them, even the base LS model. But those GS models can go! Same with the Impalas too. People really saw them as fleet cars, but if you got a supercharged one or V8, they really would shock people. Thanks for the great comments, feedback and opinions on the video. I always love reading peoples experiences with WBody cars, and how they would rate things.
They did have an issue, but not a major issue. It's not as widespread as the 3.1L and 3.4Ls. Those are notoriously bad for them...pretty much guaranteed to have an issue if you had a 3100 or 3400. the 3800 weren't as bad.
@@NexusAuto I have a friend who bought a Buick. I can't remember which engine it had but it blew out the intake manifold 3 times in 2 years. They finally scrapped it. What a waste of money. They asked me to go look at the car with them. It was just one of those cars you only had to stop and look at to know that you had to walk away from. I never bothered to lift the hood or look underneath. As soon as I saw it I told them to walk away. They didn't listen and wound up with what wound up being nothing more than an expensive boat anchor. I've never bothered to help them find another car. It's just a total waste of time if they don't listen. Next time I saw them they has an 04 Grand Prix. They've been driving it for about 5 years now. The check engine light came on once. Code showed a vacuum leak in the evap system. Told them to go get a new gas cap. Instead they took it in and paid a couple hundred dollars to have some sensor in the top of the tank replaced. Within a few days the light was back on. They finally went and got a gas cap and resolved the problem. Go figure Take care and be safe.
@@missychevious3137 I will never understand that. They ask you to come along, presumably for advice. Then when you provide that advice, they ignore it. Why bother? Same with the gas cap. I've had that happen in the past as well. I just don't bother if they don't listen. And when an issue comes up, I give them a very obvious 'I told you so' glance LOL. Take care and be safe too!
@@NexusAuto I'm not so nice. I just walk away from them the next time they ask for my advise or help. I'm a senior citizen. I earned the right to be a pr**k. LMFAO
Great video. I have a question? I was wondering if I could swap front and rear subframes with 4.8 v8 or a 5.3L from a monte carlo or impala? Thanks so much.
the Vortec 4.8 wasn't in any of the wbody cars, and I don;t think the applications it was in has a compatible subframe. For the 5.3L, they do have compatible subframes with the 3800, so that should work overall. Can't say 100% year over year, but I believe it is the same across all MYs
Yeah that is a common issue on these cars. Normally it is the wire that feeds the abs speed sensor, often on the passenger side (but it can be other things). did you get the car scanned? It will normally tell you which wheel is giving issues. I love my GP too. I will never get rid of it.
@@oreosgir That is a good idea...never hurts to get a second opinion. Although if it comes up with wiring, it is entirely possible. Fairly common on these cars. Hopefully you get it sorted out.
To some degree, but they changed a lot over the years. Certain things like chassis, engine, suspension and brakes were generally the same, but there were exceptions and changes throughout the years. Even so, it is definitely something to consider, and I found it interesting how some cars can be very close to identical, but the recall and repair rates were different. I really enjoyed making this video...some interesting insights
Yep Grand Prix’s look way too sexy with good power and gas mileage. Got a 1999 GTP with 111,000 miles like new. Keeping it for the Future Classic Car Money......
I would never forget the Bonneville. One of my favourite Pontiacs of all time. I hate to break the bad news, but the Bonne's are not WBody cars, they are built on a larger full size platform, called the H Platform, which was used in Buick and Oldsmobile as well. I think the last model was on a different platform too. I remember that the Olds Aurora and Bonneville were on the same platform, but it wasnt the H. The Bonneville is a great car, but not a W-Body.
Nexus Auto I’ll send you a picture of one of my two W-body bonnevilles.....perhaps they labeled it wrong in Detroit....Both vehicles were manufactured in the (Gm) Michigan facility.
@@davidthompson2556 oh no worries at all. Glad we cleared it up. To be honest, I am more intrigued by the fact that your Bonne has W-Body stickers...there is a story there. Were the mis-printed from the factory? Or did someone stick that one afterwards? How many Bonnevilles have this? I find this very interesting. Little things like that are always an interesting find!
Nexus Auto yes absolutely intriguing I now find myself on a personal quest to find out why these two particular models I have are sporting a W-body label & if it has anything to do with them being Florida cars.
OK, point taken but, the info I have from GM says 95 through 97 Cutlass Supreme production numbers were closer to the 300k mark. Where I live I see these cars on the road every day but not Pontiacs. Could be just location and demographics. Just for fun you do realize that most of these W-body cars used the same chassis/suspension, door handles, door glass, engines and transmissions. On the rare occasion I need a part for my Oldsmobile's that's discontinued I get what I need from a Pontiac at "Pull-a-Part". GM has been "or was" infamous for using the same chassis with different skin, lights and trim. My 2016 Buick LaCrosse has pretty much the same chassis as a caddy or a fully loaded Impala or Malibu. My point being that the Selling Price of the these cars is where the difference is. Oldsmobile's and Buicks were more expensive to buy. People want everything for cheap and then don't take care of it. With the exception of my Buick and Olds they all ride like skateboards. People who have never drove or rode in a 1975 or earlier car will not get the skateboard thing. While we're at it, I would love to hear your take on why GM went with the "corvette style" rear suspension on the Oldsmobile's and some Pontiacs from 92 to 97. P.S. I also own a 03 Taurus with 217k, just thought I'd throw that in there. Finally, please leave the Lumina out of future video's. It's not even close to being in the same class as the others.
Hmmm, that is more than the numbers I had, but we'll leave that as is. No point on discussing the merits of sales numbers from almost 30 yr old cars! LOL. I completely agree with you on the location and demographics...I have not seen a Supreme in my area in close to a decade, I kid you not. I am in Ontario, Canada. Then again, sometimes I travel to the US and I see cars I do not see here anymore. Last I went, just before Covid, I saw 2 Corsicas! I have not seen a Corsica in ages here! The same is said for the same Model Year Grand Prix's as the Supreme...have not seen a lot, but I do see them on occasion. Modern GPs are still around...not including my 05, there is 3 others just on my street. But there are late model GPs, and not what we are talking about. I absolutely know that, in regards to interchangeability of parts for the W-Body platform. I mean absolutely no offense to this, but did you watch this video entirely? I have worked on, owned, or engaged with almost all Wbody cars. I know them fairly well. I am no expert, but I know a bit. I know GM and their brand engineering well, working on the Jbodys, FBodys, GMT360, GMT920, and more, even other makes from Japan, Germany, and Korea. And I agree with the skateboard thing...I drove many older GMs too. I love older cars...although the world is changing, I still quote 'there is no replacement for displacement' lol. I personally found the Buick Regal Wbodys to be the softest ride, along with the Century, but the trade off was the cornering ability, obviously. As I said in the video, due to rarity, the Supreme is one of the few Wbodys I never got to try out in any MY, so I had no comparison point for them. But it was whatever you were looking for, you can find a version of it in a WBody. Hey, I have to include the Lumina for this video...it is a Wbody, whether we like it or not. I had one, and it was so blah, but it was my winter beater for a bit, and it was great for this. And rode surprisingly well, but well underperformed everywhere else lol. But I don't think I will ever bring it up again, so no worries there! BTW, I really do like your car collection. A 2016 Lacrosse, 03 Taurus, and 2 Supremes? That is pretty awesome!
Owner of a 98 Lumina LTZ here. You may not consider it to be in the same class but I feel that they are just as good as any other W-body if taken care of properly. If they made more with the 3800 I'm sure it would've had better sales to some degree. But it's my second one, and I've loved it ever since I got it.
Totally agree. These cars are still pretty easy to find here in my area. When I was looking for a daily driver, I had dozens of 90-97 Cutlass Supreme sedans to pick from. Ended up with a low mileage 96 SL. Continues to be very reliable after 3 yrs of ownership.
@@handsome4922 My first Lumina was a '90 coupe. It had a great ride disc brakes all 'round. The '99 LS Lumina 223K I've had for 19 years is alright with no major issues for which I am grateful.
@@charleswilliams8836 They're bloody loyal if you take care of them, and people look at me all crazy when they say I've done state to state trips in mine. Upkeep and fixing or keeping an eye out for major issues is the key to making them last
I have a 1995 grand prix (w body) . It was my wife car we purchased almost new , PAID $ 15,000 with out interest. we liked it at first , loved the size and look and the drink holder. the 3100 had plenty of power/ found out brake jobs were exspensive , but now has 190,000 on we go about twenty K more at 170,000 needed head gasket. oh but that was on an engine from a lumina when the mechanic would rather switch an engine than fix intake gasket leaking oil every where what a mess of coarse we should of quit driving it when it first started leaking/ I saved it in the garage for 10 years with the engine out and purchased a limina transmission 4t60E from a guy that rolled his lumina chevy from strut tower rusting out from wisc. salt so it might run again. I wanted to comment that on your vidio after you name the car and listening to the review I couldn't tell what kind of car you were talking about as to me I remember in the 60's when you could tell cars apart . but I can't any more thks for mentioning the W body anf that 9 vehicles used it too bade you didn't include 1995 grand prix.
Sounds like you had quite an ordeal with your 95 GP. Hopefully the doner car transmission and engine will get you up and running again. When they are working, they are great car. Glad you enjoyed the video. FYI, this covers all GPs and w-body cars, including the 95 GP. It's a grouped rating, so it covers all GPs from 1988-2008 (the video mentions it had a 20 year run).
As much as I love my Lacrosse Super, they're not as reliable as older Buicks. It's plagued with small issues like certain windows not working, fob doesn't work, abs is out, and it's been thru several transmissions. The 5.3 is the strong point but the head gaskets just blew so not bulletproof, but hey it made it 240k miles
I do agree, especially with the ABS and the transmission. Those are very common issues. The transmission is like the Achilles heel of these cars. Sorry to hear about the heads too. 240k miles is pretty decent mileage, but it's true, not bulletproof. I think the 3.8L is more reliable, but they have their own issues and of course, that V8 is a lot of fun.
I like the 2008 - 2009 lacrosse the best. Repowered my '08 lacrosse w/3.8l and remanufactured transmission a year ago. Done other suspension replacement and hub bearings. Now has 219 k miles / in wisconsin and no rust ( yet ) very good in snow! I would buy another. If I had more driveway space
@@NexusAuto My 2005 Grand Prix GT has major ABS, traction control, and front suspension issues. I'm trying my hardest to save up enough money to fix everything, but it's going to be so expensive. Plus I gotta get a new radio for it, because my CD player doesn't work at all. I really don't want to part with my Grand Prix, but it's getting so expensive. Just hit 142K miles.
@Hakeem Sd70M oh damn! Sorry to hear that. Sounds like a lot of big expenses coming up. Normally, I always give the advice that if a vehicle, no matter how much you love it, becomes a money pit, then sometimes you have to cut your losses. However, I know in a lot of areas, it's still pricey to get a vehicle, new or used. Hopefully the work you need won't cost too much and you don't get any more issues
Totally disagreeing with your comments on the earlier Lumina and Cutlass Supreme. You're focusing on the later W body's and those are much more generic. By the way, the Green convertible Cutlass at about 6:46 in...I know the gentleman who still owns the car. He still has the car and it has over 100,000 miles on it. It has proven to be very reliable as he does the recommended maintenance on it. Cars are very much a generational thing and that greatly influences whether you like or dislike a car. Making comments about cars you don't know I feel isn't fair. Making comments about cars that you DO know very well, yes, that is the correct way of going about this. Please do not include generations of W body's that you aren't well versed in. Thank you.
Hate to tell you this, but your information here is no different than mine...it's your opinion vs mine. And that's ok...you're allowed to disagree. But my scoring was based on hard data pulled on all these cars from various sites. Opinions on looks were from focus groups, so others opinions. And I gave my own opinions, but I was honest, upfront, and that had no bearing on scoring. Your comment on later wbodys being generic is entirely your opinion...I know owners who prefer the old models by a large mile, but I know owners who prefer newer models. Not sure if you watched the video, but I owned Lumina, and loved it. I have owned or operated the vast majority of these cars, new and old. I prefer the grand prix, sure, but I loved all my wbody cars. I haven't owned them all, and haven't driven them all (like the Cutlass Supreme), but this video makes it clear this is my opinion. You still can't deny facts, one way or another. Your friend may own a 100000 mile Cutlass, which is fantastic, honestly, but there is a reason why these are not seen at all anymore. I live in Canada, travel to the US frequently (pre-pandemic), and haven't personally seen one in years. I know they're out there, just rare. That's just the reality. It's why my opinions are given separately. Hope this clears it up. Make sure, when commenting, that you know how to separate your own personal opinion and experience from facts and another person's opinion. Thank you, and have a great day
Yeah, I get that. Just seems like your beating up more on the early pre airbag cars. Listen, I currently own a 91 International Cutlass coupe and 93 Grand Prix STE sedan. I've also owned a 2006 Grand Prix GXP, bought it brand new. I fully understand that you're going off of hard number data and focus group information. I love the W body's I've owned for different reasons...and disliked them as well. I was just expressing that if you're going to post information and a video like this, you have to expect some disagreement and kick back. Cars are very much a subjective thing. Like you stated on how you're basing your ranking on hard numbers, I'm also curious if you would rank them differently if you're going off of just overall liking of the cars, not taking these hard numbers into consideration. Would you rank them differently? How early of a W body have you owned? I very much respect other people's opinion about their cars...but also will defend mine. I wish you nothing but kindness and happiness. You're still a car guy and that's all that matters!
@@jiggity76 Oh trust me, if not for the 'hard data', I would not. Just as an example, in the video, I mentioned I loved my Lumina when I had it and it would have ranked much higher. That is still one of my favorite cars of mine. Just the data is what caused it. I fully expect people not to agree. As with any multiplatform car (Jbody, Civics/ILX/CSX, Chrysler Cab Forward, GMT360s, etc), people will always have an opinion based on what they either heard or more importantly, their experience. For example, the Lumina would have scored 4-ish on my list if based on my personal experience. I loved that car. Same with the Intrigue. Off the top of my head, it would probably have been 2, based on my experience. That car was so smooth, gave no issues, and protected my sister in a T-bone collision. So I get that. Your initial message felt like you were saying my opinion was invalid while yours is fact, an all too common occurrence on social sites. But seeing your response, I completely get where you are coming from and I digress. I am all for disagreement, and will always respect others opinion (as I stated in my other comment), as long as someone respects mine. I feel we are the same here, and I completely respect that. And you clearly very passionate about these, and that is awesome to me. So no worries at all. As you asked, here is some interesting tidbits from me. For cars I have personally owned, 97 Chevy Lumina, 98 Buick Century, 97 Grand Prix, and 2005 Grand Prix (still have the 05) Through my parents, they owned a few as well, and I have both driven and worked on them extensively enough that they might as well be mine LOL. Those are 89 Regal, 2001 Intrigue I had family who owned some as well, and I worked on those too, so have lots of experience. Those would be 98 Regal, 2001 Impala, 2008 Impala, 2006 Monte Carlo. I have worked on the 3100, 3400, 3800, 3800SC, and LS4 engines over the years. Without putting any thought at all, and just based on purely how I feel, this would probably be my list 9. Olds Cutlass Supreme 8. Buick Allure/Lacrosse(these are only rated this low as I have 0 experience with them) 7. Century (this car gave me so many issues near end of life) 6. Monte Carlo 5. Impala 4. Regal 3. Lumina 2. Intrigue 1. Grand Prix I would fully admit I am completely biased to the Grand Prix, as my best experiences have been with my 97 and 05 cars. The others are based on how much memories and love I had, how much I drove them, and how well the treated me. It would be a much different list for sure. I wish you happiness and prosperity as well. You are very respectful and drive great points...something that doesn't happen often on here. I wonder, how would you rate the 9?
Dude. You’ve got to be kidding about the Cutlass. Literally disagreed with almost everything you said, I normally don’t do that. It was like being in an episode of the Twilight Zone hearing your talk about the car being ugly while at the same time the screen is showing some gorgeous 2 door Cutlasses. Like what in the actual f*** is going on here? I’ve had a lot of cars but that one was near the damn top of the best vehicles I’ve ever owned. Insanely reliable, fantastic throttle response and get up and go to it, damn thing was nimble like a go kart, one of the most attractive interiors of all the 90’s cars with that dash and console, the nose was odd but the Camaro-like headlights made up for it, great rear end on her with the lip spoiler and matching flared taillights, bold color options, comfy seats, tons of options. More than once I got a note left under the wipers saying “nice car!” Sh**, you said it yourself, they are hard to find and at stupid high prices because they are valuable today. I’m shaking my head at this video so bad I’m getting a neck injury.
I don't think you watched the entire video...or even the beginning. You can disagree...there is some facts here, and some opinions. The 'ugly' thing is not my opinion, but the opinions of the focus groups. That's why there's 2 parts to each car...one from the stats, specs and focus groups, and another about my opinion. I personally think they are great looking cars, but just because you and I do(along with others here), doesn't mean the general public feels the same. You've obviously had a great experience with yours. But you have to be honest with yourself too. I'm part of many 3800 and woody groups, both online and in person. Do you know what car is never mentioned? The Cutlass. Which is unfortunate. But that's why I called it the 'ugly duckling' of the wbody world. It's not a bad car at all, but it's an often forgotten car. Especially since it's an older model and people sleep on Oldsmobile. The video isn't meant to hate on the Cutlass, or any other wbody. In my opinion, the worst wbody is better than a lot of other cars out there. But you can completely disagree with me, of course. It is what it is. Hopefully you do calm down a little on a simple, fun video.
Same could be said for the Buck regal, or the Pontiac Grand Prix, or the Monte Carlo. The Impala of 00-05 and the 06-13 had different drivetrains, and interior/exterior changes, but chassis, suspension, brakes were all w-body. If I divided all cars by generation, this list would become significantly bigger, and the video would become more boring and redundant. This video was to break down each model, inclusive of all generations. Theoretically, I could make a whole video just on the impala alone, or the GP, or the Regal, or any other multi-generational models...there is enough information to do that. But then, this video would end up 45 mins long under the current format. Was not about to do that.
I have a 1995 Buick Regal GS 4dr sedan, 3800 V6 with 33,000 original miles. It is loaded with leather interior, power driver seat and power sunroof. Everything works as it should. It was refreshed 2 months ago with all new coolant hoses, including heater core hoses, power steering hose and fluid, oil and filter change, new a/c compressor and clutch and new freon, transmission filter and fluid change, thermostat and total coolant change, fresh brake fluid, new battery, new spark plugs and wires, new rear shocks and new tires. It also has new serpentine belt, tension pulleyAll work was done at a GM Buick dealership to the tune of $6900. I bought the car to be my daily driver and the last car I buy. I don't like new cars with all the modern stuff. The car has been garaged its entire life. It is COMPLETELY rust free. My wife had knee and hip surgery and can't get in it now so I bought a Lincoln Town Car. I want to sell it. Some people don't realize that when you buy a low mileage 29 year old car even though it looks great and you really need to do the things I had done to make it a dependable, trustworthy car to drive as a daily driver. This car if cared for will last another 250,000 miles. It is the Series I engine. The last year of the Series I. It doesn't have the upper intake leak problem because the EGR valve is configured different and outside the intake. It doesn't have the plastic elbows. It has 170 hp and 225? fp torque. It is quick and fun to drive. Doesn't have as much power as series II and III but is has the most longevity of all the 3800 engines, which is why I bought it and refreshed it. I love this car but it isn't good if your wife can't ride in it. I want what I have in it. $13,000. I bought it at an estate sale and Buick Regal lovers came from all over to bid on this 32,000 mile car (I put 1200 miles on it since refreshed) and I won the bid at $6000. Then there was the $6900 in parts and labor. You never see these 1995 Regals anymore. Especially Gran Sports in near mint condition. You don't see any 1995 GM W bodies anymore let alone a rust free, perfect working order and beautiful cosmetic condition.one. If a 1995 Buick Regal GS 4dr sedan is something you really wanted back in the day now is your chance. Otherwise I will drive it as my personal daily for solo errands, joyrides and fishing adventures.
The GS is just a trim. The Regal was mentioned, but if I had to break cars down by trim, this video would have been impossible to make. The GS is an awesome car though!
A loaded car. Sounds like me in my late teens. LMAO I love the number 1 pick. Bought my 05 3 years ago. The guy wanted $2100 and I got it for $800. Put $600 in parts in and it runs like a top. I've always been a Mopar fan. 2 Fords, 3 GM's and a couple tons of Chrysler and Dodge vehicles. My least favourite GM was an old cavalier wagon. Absolute piece of garbage. Always breaking down, got better gas mileage out of an old 67 Newport with a 383 4bbl than this piece of junk. My second favourite is the GM line was an 86 Chevette CS. Easy on gas, rarely broke down and went like a scared rabbit with the 4 cyl and the 5 speed. Put approx 265,000 miles on it in just over 5 years. Biggest repair was a clutch and pressure plate. Other than tuneups and basic maintenance I replaced a rad and heater core. Heater core cost more than the rad. LOL Loved that car. If it hadn't been stolen I would most likely still be driving it today. Best GM...my 05 Pontiac Grand Prix. Really nice looking car, runs excellent, rides like a dream, no real complaints. What's not to love about it. That's why I was happy to see the Grand Prix come in first and yes, I'm biased. lol
I'm with you there! You had a great selection of vehicles over the years and miles (your miles, not the cars LMAO). Interesting to hear about the Chevette. I knew someone who had one with a automatic and he hated it, but he also never took care of it. Sucks that yours got stolen. Funny enough, I hade a 91 Cavalier as my first car. It treated me very well, and I loved that car. I would love to get one again, just to mess around with. I wish TH-cam existed back then. I put more money into modifications for that car then someone spend on a car LOL. But it was so nice. Funny how experienced can be so different for the same vehicle. But one thing we definitely agree on...my 05 GP is also my favorite GM that i've owned! What an awesome car...i'll never get rid of it!
@@NexusAuto Ohhh Yeah. lol The Chevette looked like it just rolled out of the showroom. It was 6 years old when I bought it. I drove one with an automatic and it was pretty much gutless. Didn't seem to have any power. I believe the 5 speed manual trans made the difference. Bought it for $250, needed an upper brake light bulb (the one in the back window) for the safety and that was it. In the next 265,000 miles I replaced Clutch and pressure plate X 1, 2 front ball joints, Brakes X2, rad X1 and heater core X2 One of the best cars I ever owned. I used to make the run from here to Cornwall every Friday night after work to see my kids (510 miles each way) and back home on Sunday. That's why the high mileage over the 5 years, It never let me down once. I gotta tell you one though that should have you roaring with laughter to do with the Chevette. I was coming home from Cornwall on a Sunday afternoon and just as I cleared Toronto I noticed that the old girl was sucking up a lot of fuel. It used on average a tank of fuel each way. Averaged approx 50 miles per gallon on the highway and I was already down a little over a 1/2 a tank. I pulled into the first service center west of Toronto and got out and raised the hood. I was standing there for a few minutes when a guy from the garage came out and asked if everything was OK. I'm standing there with the hood up so I looked at him and said "Yupp. Just wanted to stop and have a look at the motor." Now ya gotta remember, it was a little inline 4 cyl. This is the part that had me laughing so hard I could hardly stand up. My next comment was "There was a loud bang a few miles back and the car jumped. That's why I stopped. Looks like half the engine fell out back there." He asked if I wanted their service truck to go pick it up so it didn't cause an accident. I looked at him kinda funny and then the topper. He said they at least had to contact the police and let them know about the other part of the engine that was probably laying on the highway. That's when I roared with laughter. I told him to look at the size of the car and tell me he actually believed it had a V8. He got red in the face and walked away. I imagine he was cursing me all the way back to the garage. I have to say that was the most fun I ever had. It was just a vacuum hose that broke. 5 minutes and I was at the pump filling up. I'll never forget that guy as long as I live. He was a little younger than I was and I had to wonder how he ever got the job in the garage. I hoped he never got past checking oil and tire pressures. I do know he was pretty embarrassed. That was the absolute best one I ever pulled. The friend I had with me didn't know a tire from a spark plug and even he couldn't believe the guy fell for that. LMFAO If I could have held the laughter back I was going to tell him that for missing half the engine it still ran really good, just had a tiny little vibration to it but I should be able to make it home. Unfortunately, before I could get that out, I started laughing. Big give away right there. Hopefully that gives you a little laugh on a snowy blustery day. I know I still laugh every time I talk about that one. In fact I'm having a rough time trying to type this. I'm laughing me arse off. I did and still do feel sorry for embarrassing that poor guy but I have to admit it was and still is hilarious. I only wish I still had that old girl today. Just think of all the fun I could have with that car today and all the snowflakes out there. Well, I gotta run. Snowed all last night with a little freezing rain thrown in and it's still snowing. I have to hit the store again before mother nature takes a dump on us and forgets to wipe up her mess. Forgot something last night. You take care and be safe out there. Until Nexus time.... The girl who isn't a girl. LMAO
@@missychevious3137 Haha I remember when the Chevette had a notchy 4 speed. I never got to drive the 5 speed...sounds like it was a big step up from the 4 speed! Wow, treated you good is right. you barely did anything on it, considering the miles and age. That is awesome stuff...shows to what you can get from a car if you take care of it! HAHAHAHA I can't believe that 'mechanic' fell for that! LMAO. There is so much wrong with that story, but yet so right. I love it! I think a Chevy 350 small block would fill up the entire cabin of a Chevette, let alone fit in the engine bay! LOL, I kid, but seriously, that is hilarious. I have to imagine just seeing his face is the kicker in that story. Stories like this always makes me wonder...do they ever tell it from the other way around? Thanks for the great story, Sir Miss Chevious LOL. Be safe out there. Hopefully you didn't get hit as hard as they said you would. Merry Christmas!
@@NexusAutoI have to agree. I didn't like the automatic trans or the 4 speed. I test drove both before I bought mine.. Like I said, the 5 speed made a big difference. That old girl got a wash every weekend, polished 4 times a year, tuneups and new filters every 6 months. It got the best of care but then it gave back in spades.That's one car I'll never forget. The police caught and charged the guy that stole it. He was my neighbour in the apartment beside me. I tried to get the cops to give me 5 minutes alone with him in a locked room but they laughed and said no way. Said if they could they would have. LOL I don't think...or I should say I hope that guy at the service center wasn't a mechanic just someone who helped out around the place. I still wonder if he ever went out to check on another car in the lot with the hood up LMFAO. I saw an Austin Mini years ago with a 440 CID in it and a Vega with a 396 CID but never a Chevette with a V8. That would have been hilarious. You'd have to drive from the back seat. It would be awesome to hear how he told the story. Probably lie through his teeth LMAO We didn't get hit that bad here. More drifting snow than anything. I had the snow blower out this morning. The sidewalks and driveway were clear around my place. The worst of it was along fences and on the east side of the houses. I was doing the end of one driveway when the plow came along. I stood with the snow blower right at the end of the driveway so he had to slow down and go around. He was giving me the old stink eye for that but at least I didn't have to redo it. LOL It is extremely cold out though. 12 F (-11 C). All 4 doors and the trunk were froze shut on the ole Grand Prix. Managed to get 2 doors and the trunk open. Supposed to get into the low 40's mid week. If it does I'm going to silicone spray the crap out of the seals around the doors to hopefully avoid this happening again. The wind is really howling around here. Winds are still around 22 mph (36 kph) and gusting to 34 mph (54 kph). It wasn't a pretty sight with the snow blower blowing the snow one way and the friggin wind blowing it right back in my face. I looked like a snowman by the time I got finished. Snowblower worked and ran a lot better. Still have the problem with it moving forward when I put it in gear but pretty sure it's just an adjustment. Was to dang cold to adjust it more his morning. I've been in the house for about an hour or an hour and a half and I'm still shivering. I think as I age I'm becoming a wuss. LOL The big day is tomorrow. I hope you and yours have a very Merry Christmas. I hope Santa brings you a pack of new tools to add to your hobby. lol You take care and stay safe and warm.
@@missychevious3137 That's awesome! i love the care you put into your Chevette! Those cars were funny like that. Either people took amazing care of them, or they drove them into the ground. It sucks that it got stolen. Such a sad fate for that car. But at least they got the guy. HAHA just 5 minutes! Sometimes we can just hope to get that, just to have a 'conversation' with them LMAO! Great news to hear you didn't get hit too hard either (and got that snowblower going too). Good thing you were there when the plow came by. I think they get some joy over piling snow up in front of peoples freshly-cleaned driveway LOL. I can only imagine the look he gave. It's going to get real chilly soon for you, so be safe out there. I will get cold, but not as bad. I'm looking at -11C tomorrow, and into the pluses by the weekend! Can't complain about that! I had a great Christmas, and I hope it was the same for you! No tools, but lots of other goodies LOL. Take care, Sir Miss Chevious!
I have no clue how you figure there are many good to excellent prix out there, I have looked for 3 years for a 6th gen, every one I have found within 3 states are rust buckets so I bought a 7th which I plan on doing a gxp front swap, the 7th gens fronts are the ugliest out if all w bodies. Just my 2 cents. Love your vids though
Hey no problem at all, nothing wrong with having a different view on the cars. I pulled all the data from independent sites (I would have some serious biases to some of the cars on the list lol). Some have issues (oh, those rusted out rocker panels and strut towers on the 6th gen...such a pain in the ass) but overall, recalls and known issues were low. But like everything on the internet, have to take it for what it is lol. Glad to see you enjoy the videos otherwise, really do appreciate the support and feedback like this!
I think Pontiac's styling peaked in the '80s to mid '90s. It finally jumped the shark with the 2001 Aztek. The last Grand Am, Bonneville, and Grand Prix designs are obviously from a time when GM had yet to learn that lesson. They tried to back pedal with the G6, Torrent, Solstice, G8, etc but it was too little , too late. Pontiac didn't die instead of Buick, it died because of Pontiac/GM.
I have seen it done on a couple of cars (and a Buick Lacrosse). It can be done, but it is a ton of work. Engine drops engine, but exhaust needs to be changed (different down pipe), if you don't have a GTP, you need to upgrade the transmission to the HD one, ecu changed and remapped, etc. Tons of work. It used to make sense when GXPs were still costly, but since you can get one for a few grand these days, you may be better off just buying one of those. Unless you want a LS inside a pre 04 GP lol
I typically enjoy these lists and the different perspectives. However, I don't know what you're smoking here. I do agree the Grand Prix is far and away the best W-body. The 2nd gen W-body Grand Prix (97-03) is in my opinion one of the best looking cars ever made. But the 1st gen W-body Grand Prixs were some of the coolest cars made, especially the early ones, you could get them with a manual transmission, there was a McLaren Turbo, and the options in that car and the GT or whatever was top dog back then were way ahead of their time. After that, I could care less if it had a V8 or not, they sucked, they all looked the same and plastic overkill on the interior. But, how can you put the Monte Carlo 2nd? That car was a knockoff of whatever the sedan model was every year, outside of the NASCAR editions, there was nothing special about those cars. Other than the Buick Lucerne or however it's spelled (I'm only excluding it because I know nothing about it) the Buick versions of these cars were all pretty boring. I'm not sure how the Intrigue in that high on the list either. But how in the world do you have the Cutlass Supreme 8th out of 9? That's ridiculous, the ONLY car you could get as a factory convertible, the only car to pace the Indy 500, lots of engine options, available with a manual transmission and Oldsmobile provided a lot of tech that was ripped off by the other cars, the quad 4 engine (which was a reliability nightmare but a fast engine), heads up display, and the coupe was a beautiful car especially after the 1991 refresh. I'll admit I'm probably biased because I did own a 1990 Cutlass Supreme Sorry but your list is flawed, if you want to talk about reliability ALL of the earlier cars had more reliability issues than the later models, a 1991 Grand Prix is no more reliable than a 1991 Cutlass Supreme. This is my list 1. Grand Prix 2. Cutlass Supreme 3. Monte Carlo (because of the NASCAR editions) 4. Buick Regal (some of the sporty models looked good) 5. Lumina (if it weren't for the 4 door it would've been higher) 6. Intrigue 7. The rest of the Buicks
That is the beautiful thing about opinions, we can all have our own based on our own experiences. That is why I included both the hard data ratings and my own personal ratings. If you watched the whole video (not sure if you did), but I have a lot of experience with these cars (talking from a purchasing aspect) and I would have personally rated this list differently. But using data, different story. But that is just list for fun using what data I could find, since, you know, I don't work for GM and have access to their hard data. Maybe you need to smoke something and calm down a little LMAO. I kid, just a fun list. No worries
@@NexusAuto Sorry I didn't mean it to sound harsh lol. I did watch the majority of the video (basically I watched your intro on all the cars). I did see you've had a lot of experience with them. Personally I owned a 1990 Cutlass Supreme SL in high school which had almost every option. Awesome car, unfortunately it was 8 years old when I got it and had a salvaged title but what a cool car and had some great times with it. This was in high school and the early w-bodies were in the price range that high school kids could afford, so I was familiar with a lot of them. Shortly after high school I got a 1991 Grand Prix GT, which was kind of a cool car although it had a problem where it randomly wouldn't start that I couldn't figure out so I grew to hate this car. I also owned a 2001 Grand Prix GT, like I said earlier, beautiful car but what a disappointment interior wise, that car was so dull to drive, you almost forgot how awesome it looked. Then just a few years ago I needed a cheap car and I ended up with a 97 Monte Carlo LS, I think it had around 80,000 miles but had been totaled at some point and not in the greatest shape but that thing was very comfortable. I guess here's what's always bugged me about vehicle evolution from that time (and maybe why your list offended me lol), they consistently took things away. The early W-body cars 88-92ish had awesome options, the trip computers in the Grand Prix and Cutlass Supreme looked like they were from the future, the digital dash in the Cutlass supreme was also very cool, you could get both of them with 2+2 seating they called it which basically put a center console in the back seat which the seats weren't very comfortable but they looked cool lol. In the Grand Prix and Cutlass you could also get them with articulating front bucket seats, I think the Grand Prix seats were 16 way power adjustable front seats. And lots of engine options in the earlier models just off the top of my head I think in the early years you could get a little 4 cylinder maybe 2.2?, a quad 4 2.3, 2.8 V6, 3.1 V6, 3.4 DOHC V6, 3.8 in the Buicks and Pontiac had the turbo 3.1 V6. But by 1994 you could no longer get the trip computers, to my knowledge the 2+2 seating was gone, the articulating seats were gone, the digital dash was gone. the manual transmission was gone and by 1998 the only 2 engines I know of outside of the Intrigue was the 3100 and 3800. To me they made them look better but took the "cool" factor out of them. The other thing for me is as time went on they seemed to "cheapen" the interior, the later ones were plastic galore on the interior and seemed to rattle a lot, the seats in my 01 Grand Prix, well they looked sporty were not near as comfortable as the seats in my Cutlass, 91 Grand Prix or 95 Monte Carlo. I know later they put a V8 in some of them, but I never drove one and by that time I didn't have much interest in them anymore. I understand they probably took these options away because it was cheaper to make all the cars mostly the same. And to be fair, the later W-bodies were far more reliable than the early ones. Rear brake calipers were an issue and the distributor cap o-ring, I don't remember what it was called but basically the early 2.8 and 3.1 still had a hole in the block where the distributor would go but obviously they were no longer needed so they put a cap on the hole with an o-ring to seal it, which when I was in high school lots of them were failing, turn signal switches would go bad and the module that controlled the keyless entry was an issue. But in all seriousness thank you for making this list, even if I don't agree with it, it brought back a lot of fun memories.
@@jasongerhard5150 oh no worries at all. I joked about your tone in jest. I could tell you were just passionate about these cars (and your Cutlass Supreme in particular). Nothing wrong with that. You definitely know your stuff and know these cars well. I really enjoyed reading your comments...always great to get feedback like this. Glad you enjoyed the video, even if the outcomes are not preferred. :)
@@jasongerhard5150 Sounds like you and me are in the same boat. I also love the early W bodies. I feel by 92, GM started taking away their uniqueness between the brands and models. This was also part of the safety regulations that all manufacturers had to abide by. The introduction of airbags for these cars in 94 really forced GM to make them more generic across the board. This explains why the Regal, Supreme, and Prix had the same dash design. To accommodate dual airbags. Just to exercise my knowledge and hopefully educate anyone else who cares, I'll only be taking about the early W's which I love and own 2 of these cars from this year range of 91-93. For the Cutlass Supreme, 88-93 for the digital cluster. There were 3 clusters available. A base unit with no tach and just a fuel, speedometer, and mileage gauge. This base cluster continued on until 93 but 91 was the last year for the the fancier UB3. There were 2 versions of it. One with a digital speedometer on the NON HUD cars and one WITHOUT the speedometer on the HUD optioned car. I own one of these, a 91 International coupe. GM wanted the driver to use the speedometer image displayed on the windshield from the HUD and that's why the digital 0 ISN'T present in the cluster. GM's trip computer was called DIS in the Supreme cars. Driver Information System. It was mounted at the bottom of the center stack. Pontiac used a much larger screen on their system called DIC for Driver Information Center. There are two versions of it with different displays, button size, and arrangement, from 88-90. In 91 and until 93, a much more crisp and uniform display was added. Both versions lived in the top of the center console that butted up nicely to the center stack of the dash. Rear buckets were offered in the Supreme, Grand Prix, and Regal. Only the Supreme and Prix coupes could be optioned with rear buckets. The Regal sedan was the only W body sedan that could be had with rear buckets and console from 91-92 and are extremely rare! Let's not forget the very rare 91-93 Grand Prix GT coupes that came standard with the rear buckets and console. Basically a poor man's version of the GTP. Most were 3.1 cars and were all automatics. Some could be optioned with the GTP's LQ1 or 3.4 DOHC 24 VALVE V6 as well. Starting in 93 and for only 93-94, rear buckets and console could be optioned in on the Cutlass Supreme convertibles. For the front seats, RPO code AQ9's, available from 88-93 for both the Cutlass and Grand Prix. Now, the AQ9's in the Grand Prix TSTE and STE sedans from 90-93 functioned differently than the ones in the 88-93 Grand Prix coupes. There are also differences between Pontiac's AQ9's and Oldsmobile's AQ9's but very similar setup overall. Engine options were 2.8 ONLY in 1988 for all W's. Starting in 89, the 2.8, 3.1, and the 3.1 Turbo debuted. For 90, the 3.1 (the 2.8 was dropped) and the Quad 4 debuted along with the 3.8 or 3800 V6 (Regal only) and the 2nd and final year for the 3.1 Turbo. For 91, the 3.1, Quad 4, 3800, and the LQ1 debuted replacing the 3.1 Turbo option. For 92, the 3.1, LQ1, 3800, and the Quad was dropped. Same engine options in 93 as the 92 model year. Concerning the Lumina as it debuted in 1990, it could be had with the 2.5 Iron Duke 4 cylinder in order to compete with the 4 cylinder Taurus. Transmission options were the 282 Getrag 5 speed manual. From 88-90. The 284 Getrag 5 speed manual from 91-93 (certain models). The 4T60E 4 speed automatic. Not sure of it's designation but a 3 speed automatic was also available although it's pretty rare in a W. I just found a junkyard 93 Grand Prix coupe coupled with it's 3.1 motor. For 1994, the DIS was no longer offered on the Supreme but did carry on with the Grand Prix cars and still named DIC. The system moved from the top of the center console to the left side of the redesigned dual airbag dash by the AC/heater vent. One note about the HUD units. They debuted in 1988 and two versions were available. I believe the Cutlass was the very first car to offer this feature ahead of anyone else. The first unit was a Hughes Electronic unit and offered from 88-90. The adjuster was on the side of the unit and it sat taller on the dash pad. The 2nd design was offered in 91-94. It was designed by GM, AC/Delco. Much slimmer design and the adjuster was moved to a different location, at the bottom right side of the center stack on the Supreme and under the right side control pod on the Grand Prix. Both versions were identical to each other with just the covers being differently shaped to accommodate the differently shaped dash pads. The greenish, bluish image is identical among both the Supreme and Prix. Looks a little bit out of place on the Grand Prix as it doesn't match the rest of the orange dash backlighting on those cars but matches the greenish, bluish dash backlighting on the Supreme. Hope this clears some things up and if I've gotten anything wrong, please let me know.
@@jiggity76 Awesome info, thank you for taking the time to write all of that out. You obviously have a lot more knowledge on these cars than me but I was surprised how much I did remember. But I learned a lot of new info here too. Thanks again.
OMG, my 99 Grand Prix was loaded with issues and had the cheapest and worst out together interior of every W I have been in literally fell apart and the transmission died before 120k. I absolutely loved it, but quality it was not.
Dude, You have lost your mind. The Cutlass was way more popular than a Gran Prix, and still is. Junk yards are LOADED with Pontiacs. Taurus's too for that matter. I've owned Cutlass' and Cutlass Supreme's since before you were born boy! Currently have two, a 95 with 75'000 miles and a 97 with 407K which is my daily driver to and from work 124 miles a day and 25 MPG. Both are 4-door, 3.1 V6 w/4T60E trans. With exception of the Olds Alero, I challenge you to find a 92-97 Cutlass Supreme or any other Oldsmobile in a junkyard. Good luck and count the Pontiacs while your there.
Hey Jim, you seem a bit hostile at this video! I completely get why you love those cars, they are nice. I was just having that conversation with a viewer on here. But you do have a bias, which is fine. I mentioned a few times in this video that if I based it on my bias, this list would be MUCH different. I think you missed a big fact...the reason you see so many Pontiacs and even Taurus' in the yards is because there was so much more sold. Grand Prixs are still around...I see them driving on the roads (and I am talking late 80s early 90s ones). You know how many Supremes I see? 0 But that is not a fact on popularity, but my personal observation. What is fact? to make this video, I did a lot of research, and one of the things I did was get sales figures from the General. I couldn't get all sales numbers, but I got a lot. For example, in 1995, the Supreme sold approx 122300, and the GP sold 209500. This includes all trims and special editions. I compared recalls, issues, complaints, etc. The GP consistently outsold the Olds. It sold pretty consistently around the 110000-125000 mark, until 96, near end of life, where is sold 86600, then dropped more in 97. But I suppose that is understandable, as that happens to most end of life cars. There is no doubt these cars are good, but those are the facts old man. :) Good luck to you as well, and don't let videos get you worked up, even if they don't agree with you
Your information is so wrong. For example, on the Lumina as an example, you can’t just push 2 gens available. Also, average HP is pretty average for the time period and W bodies at the same time. Second gen for example offer the 3.1, which yours had and was the base model on nearly every W body and was the only winged offered on the last gen Century. You did horrible. We cannot in any way take your opinion. As someone who has had and had access to many W bodies, including both gen Liminas, Regal, Cutless Suoreme, and even my modified 2099 Grand Oeix GTO. Only the Suoeecharged Impala, Monte Carlo, Grand Prix, and Regal and the 2006 and newer W-Bodies with the 3.9 and V8, but again, very different gens. Also, if you want andninteogue, find a 3.8 and run far away from the short star.
Yeah they were, along with a lot of other cars, both good and bad. I assume this comment is because I mentioned the Impala was a fleet car? If so, that's because those last few years they were only fleet cars, whereas in the previous years, the cars has fleet options and could be bought by consumers in dealerships
@@NexusAuto No the Lumina, reagal cutlass supreme Pontiac Grand Prix all were rental fleet's in the 90s my 1st job was with Avis detailing them and getting new GM W body car's
@@ralphabreu5022 absolutely! They all were. Even the Olds Intrigue, last gen Grand Prix, Century. All were in rental fleets. Cool that you got to work with them at Avis
@@NexusAuto Mostly Chevy Lumina's and Grand Prix. Drove a Jaguar for luxury cars that Avis rented. Drove a Catera Cadillac's version of the platform as the Lumina, Reagal cutlass supreme and Grand Prix.
You need to learn a lot more about the differences of these cars. The chassis are different from1988-1994 1995-2009. I understand the length of the video but there is more to these cars. As for problems, any car over 10 years old is going to have issues. I have had many of these cars along with other brands. These cars are cheap to repair compared to it's Competition.
I agree. They are very hard to come by, and getting harder all the time. Funny thing, I have a neighbor about 10 houses down from me who just bought a Grand Prix with an LS.
It wasn't. After recording, the audio sounded good on playback. After processing the video, something went wrong and it sounded really bad. Just bad audio quality, I hate to admit. It wasnt even apparent until after I uploaded the video, and didn't want to bother re-record the whole thing. So i left it as is. Oh well.
I would say they never made a great looking car, but they weren't that. I like the last generation Aurora...those are pretty nice. And drove pretty smooth
lol L36's are weak. Unless its and L36T or an L67, the vehicle lacks potential. I just wish people would also stop doing induction before the do their PCM. 3800's of all caliber need the stock back pressure in order to operate properly. A fenderwell with an aftermarket muffler is a bad plan. And I had a super rare 88-89 Cutlas Supreme SL. The rare FWD 2 door model that ONLY sold in Canada and Europe. In white, with the AC Delco interior in blue. It wasn't fast. At all. 🤣 But still was rare.
I don't know, I had the L36 in my 97 Grand Prix, and had some small work done, and that thing would rip other cars for sure. It was not as fast as the L67, but it pull hard. I enjoyed that car. My current L26 in my 05 keeps up with the L32s, due to the work done. It out corners them too. Tires/Brakes/Suspension trifecta was the first work I did. I agree. A tune is necessary, otherwise you are not utilising the full potential of whatever you mod the engine with. PCM is essential if any work is going in. I had to look up the Supreme SL. I know the Cutlass Supremes for sure, but was not familiar with this trim model. I see what you mean. I don't recall ever seeing those driving around, and If I did, I certainly did not know about their rarity. I see what you mean with the power and performance from the 2.8. the 0-60 is a lifetime lol. But they are nice looking, and they had a 5 speed option. Nice car to have for cruising around.
The audio sucks in this video just an fyi, sounds like your talking froma cheap cellphone in a tunnel, hard to finish the video listening to your every breath.
Thanks for the feedback. It has been brought up a couple of times. Honestly, prior to this video, all my videos were hands on work, and I didn't want to invest into audio equipment if the video was poorly received. It wasn't, people seemed to like it, so I did invest. Future videos had much better quality. Thanks for watching and once again for the feedback
I try, but I'm not kidding on this, I have an injury that makes speech a bit hard. Pre 2011, I didn't do that. Post 2011, I do. Sorry it annoys you, but it is what it is
W bodies are cool since they engineered the vehicle to accommodate front split bench seating and column shifter. No wonder the Buick Lacrosse still had it as modern as it was!
I agree! I love that feature...I wish more models had that option. At the time, there really wasn't many 6-seat sedans out there
Just a small correction here: The Intrigue was produced for five model years, 1998-2002. I sold them at my Oldsmobile dealership along with Toronados, Cutlass Supremes, Cieras, Eighty-Eights, LSSs, Ninety-Eights, Silhouettes, Bravadas, Achievas, Aleros and Auroras! I bought a 2002 Intrigue GLS from Copart in Kansas City for $625. It had 54,354 miles and was insurance-salvaged because it needed a $24 fender! It is the Tropic Teal color and is still a fantastic car!
So true! That was a mistake on my part...great catch. Awesome to meet someone who sold these cars. I had an Alero around at one point too. How did you find people took to the Intrigue? I personally loved the car, and as said in the video, it protected my sister when someone ran and red and tboned her. Solid car, smooth ride. Did it sell well? Sounds like you got a great deal on the Intrigue too. Very low low miles...really rare these days
@@NexusAuto Many customers liked the Intrigue because of the X-Files tie in, the TV commercials and the Intrigue up on the building wall along the 101 freeway. Even more would come right back from across the auto mall street after being treated so poorly at the Toyota store.
@@jeffshadow2407 That's really interesting stuff. I know Toyota has their reputation, but bad experiences will kill any sale. I was curious about the X-Files tie in you mentioned and looked it up...there was a movie cross promotion! I had no idea...i'm sure we did not get that promo here in Canada. Very cool stuff
Ageed, the Pontiac Grand Prix rules. The first one bought was a 1972...in 1975. I've had several years of the G.P. in my life, I still have a 06 G.P. I bought ten years ago. It now has 90,000 miles and I still love it!
That's awesome. I have my 2005 still up to now, and I'll never get rid of it. Great to meet a GP fan!
Very informative video. Thanks for taking the time to make it.
Monte at #2 and Grand Prix at #1 are excellent choices. Both very nice looking cars still to this day.
Hey Glen! Thanks for watching and leaving feedback. Definitely appreciate it, as always. I really enjoyed making this one too. It was a nice little pet project I had worked on during my downtimes. I have some other ideas, but thats for other times lol.
I also agree....the Monte and Grand Prix really hold up, even a decade later. I know my GP still gets looks to this day. I am very happy with the results of the list, and I think they were perfect picks for the top spots.
Glen Halstead I agree I own a 04 grand prix.,also had a 96 Lumina great in snow,went threw snow great.had a 12 impala sucked in the snow ,spin,spin wheels.
@@robertnovotny1749 I know I rated the Lumina at number 9, but that was based on the numbers. I enjoyed the Lumina when I had it and it handled the snow so well. If I made the list on my personal feelings alone, it would have rated higher for sure. But I think we can all agree that the Grand Prix is #1 for sure. Definitely my favorite WBody car.
I feel really fortunate after watching this vid. I have a '99 Lumina LS bought used from original owner 19 years ago. No major issues yet It now has 223K miles on it. I heard the engine could last up to 400K. We''ll see... I didn't know Luminas were such low hanging W-body fruit. I would like to get chance to test drive and inspect the higher ranking W's. I'll be using this video as a guide to stalk the other cars.
It's crazy how underappreciated the Luminas are. I had one and loved it. But it has a bad perception and the numbers aren't great. I sold mine, and that person sold it to someone else, and last I knew, it was still going. I could see it hitting 400k, especially if you have the 3800 engine. Awesome to hear yours is still going strong. They are becoming a rarer and rarer car now...I don't see any in my area anymore. Would be interesting to hear your thoughts if you get a chance at other W-bodies.
The Lumina had the lowest new car defects of any car in the world toward the last few years of it’s production run.
I own a 98 Buick Regal LS 25th.( One owner)+ Loaded up. Leather, concert sound, touring suspension L36( 3800 series II) engine. Over 300,000 miles. Uses one quart of oil between changes. Maintained well. For example: transmission fluid changed every 30K. Recently had the nearly stopped up Catalytic converter (robbing gas mileage and power) and resonator taken off, but put a longer muffler to keep it tame as possible. Got a good sound from the rear at idle. Regular driving, quiet as a mouse on the road.
Open it up and it shuts off at 108 mph very quickly. Gets grunty exhaust notes now as well. I've still love this car.
Damn, that's awesome! You have meticulously maintained your Regal. I really do like the Regals! I hope it gives you another 300k miles! My 2005 Grand Prix has a fraction of those miles! Lots of life left. I am seriously impressed with your level of care in your car!
@@NexusAuto thanks, it's been great.
Do you have the series II or series III?
@@patrickrobinson2520 My current car, 2005 Grand Prix, is a Series III. I did own a series II in the past, had a 97 Grand Prix as well
@@NexusAuto what were the changes made to the series II to become the series III?
great video! when we first came to Canada my dad bought an oldsmobile cutlass supreme. I have a lot of fond memories of that car as a kid. Overall very reliable and if something did go wrong easy to fix and cheap as well. Thanks for the little nostalgia trip!! :)
No problem at all. Whatever the Wbody car, we all have our awesome memories of them, and as a WBody enthusiast, I always love hearing stories like that. Glad to hear you enjoyed the video! Thanks for watching.
I have a 2008 pontiac grand prix gxp and I love it! Besides the 4T65E transmission, it's a fun car
I have to agree. The 4T65E needs to be babied and handled gently, but once you know that, you know how to handle the car and it is a lot of fun. I love my 05 GP too, and will never trade it. The only way it leaves my hands is if it goes, or I do lol
why do you not like the 4t65E mine has given me 230,000 trouble free miles, I just keep up with the maintenance
I have also had it built by a Performance builder with better then OE standards
@@NexusAuto just change the tranny oil every 40k klms, use dextron Vl, the filter and put some big magnets in the oil pan and the tranny is good for ever.
@@cocodog85 yeah I agree. But see, that's where the problem comes in. That service level on any modern tranny is way too much...no one should need to service a transmission that much to guarantee its life. And most owners either don't know this or find out too late. It does have a decent service life, but a higher than normal failure rate, unless you do exactly as you say here. So that's what I mean by 'babied'. Don't get me wrong, I love my GP. But it's definitely the Achilles heel of the car
I still own my 1995 Cutlass.. originally had a 3.1 liter... the engine had 540,000ish miles on it before I swapped an LS4 in it in 2020... the 3.1 was rebuilt and swapped in a dune buggy... both are still kickin... the LS4 has a 4t80 Northstar trans swap, cammed, springs, LS6 aluminum plenum, LS1 cable TB, flex fuel injectors, tuned, dynoed etc etc etc N/A, pushing 517 HP and 491 trq according to the dyno print out... the 3.1 was rebuilt cammed, springs, bored for 3.4 pistons, 3.5 plenum, LQ4 TB etc etc and was never dynoed but it works great for the application it's in right now....
I like my Cutlass.. took me 2 years to build that LS4.. stuff ain't cheap..
Niiiiice! Love hearing this stuff. And nice to see a Cutlass still kicking out there. I don't see them at all anymore. You got a lot done to it! And love that the 3100 has a second life inside a dune buggy! And yeah, definitely the opposite of cheap LOL
Is your 95 a 2 or 4 door? I’d love to see pics!
I had an '88 Cutlass an '06 and an '08 grand Prix gxp 😊. Still have the ,'08.😊
Awesome history. That GXP must be so much fun to drive.
Got a 98 grand prix gt coupe from my dad not too long ago, in really good condition. unfortunately had some issues with interior leaks, a misfire (dead coil, easy fix), and power steering whine, but got them fixed and I love it. It is a slick looking car imo.
Awesome! Glad to hear you got all those issues fixed, and the car sounds like it is running great! I really do love those cars...especially in coupe form (which is quickly becoming incredibly rare these days). Nice to hear it's still running strong!
I drive a 2010 Chevy Impala LT (It's loaded with options) with 283k miles and man that car is amazing and my brother drives a 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix GT2 with 234k miles. We both honestly love our cars and we had no major issues apart from my Impala needed a new Power Steering Pump with two new lines, other than that they're like a rock.
I completely agree. They are amazing vehicles and so underrated. I have an 05 Grand Prix too and it still is great too! I'll never get rid of it. It's awesome that both you and your brothers W-Body cars are still going strong! They are bulletproof!
I have a 2003 Chevy Impala LS with the 3800 and I love that car and it has been a very very good car. Has never left me stranded or anything. I also have a 2006 Chevy Impala SS with the LS4 and it’s been a good car. Not like my ‘03 but still love it, I love both the 8th and 9th gen Impalas
Nice! Such underrated cars. You have a nice pair right there! They really are comfortable and smooth cars. I have a 05 Grand Prix 3800 and love it to this day. I don't think ill ever get rid of it.
Definitely agree with the Grand Prix on top, they were always the best looking W-body cars out there. I grew up in a 93, and I just bought an 04 a few weeks ago with only 143k, it’s the 10th Grand Prix in my family.
Whoa!! 10 GPs....That's amazing! I love my 05 too...don't think I'll ever get rid of it!
00' LeSabre. 125k miles when bought now only at 132k such a nice ride plenty of passing power
Very nice! I like those Lesabres. Tons of room. Underrated vehicle. And you have crazy low mileage
regal is number 1 for me. nothin like my 93 coupe. like driving the living room couch and still feeling fast.
I hear that! Those 93 coupes look amazing. It's unfortunate that I don't see any of them cruising on the road anymore in my area, but they are awesome!
I have a 1992 Olds 88 with the 3800 motor and I love it
Awesome! Love those cars..you don't see many of them kicking around anymore. In fact, I can't remember the last time I saw one.
I certainly love my 2007 Impala LT. The 3.5 has enough power to get out of its way, while still getting decent mileage, around 22, with my heavy foot and 250,000 miles. Had it around a year now and only had to do brakes! No other major problems, and drives so nicely
@tschmidtty that's awesome! The Impala is such a great car, and sounds like yours is treating you well! Still so much life in it! Cheers to many more great years with it!
W bodies are cool. I dig the aluminum engine cradle, the 3.8 L V6 and really no complaints with the 4t65e. I've had an 05 Impala SS since 2009. 126,000 miles and luckily, I must have gotten a trans that wasnt built on a Monday or Friday. For under $1000 in bolt ons,a mail order tune and a 3.4" pulley hitting high 13s isn't half bad for an all iron, pushrod engine that came out in the mid 90s. Too bad the Impala SS didn't get the GenV blower and 3.29 w/limited slip.
The 2004-05 Impala SS is one of the most underrated cars that GM has produced. It's absolutely gorgeous and looks like a true 21st century interpretation of the 60's Impala. I'm very glad to hear you enjoy yours! I currently drive an 05 Grand Prix, and hope that someday I have an 04-05 Impala SS too!
@@hakeemsd70m I had an 04 impala ss Indy edition for almost a year I put about 10k miles on it almost no issues or very minor ones. I recently lost it the other day due to a crash and it may get totaled out I’m still waiting to see what’s Happening. I have the gen v blower and intake from a got ready for a top swap and now I don’t think I can do anything with it but I’m gonna try to fix it. They’re very good for what they are.
@@idontexist3514you need another W-body then. Don't give up. We need to rescue as many Ws as we can and keep them going. About the easiest platform ever to completely rebuild and very fun as well to rebuild, restore, race and collect. Been specializing with W-bodies for almost 19 years and been a mechanic and detailer my whole life
To me, the 5.3 liter LS4 V-8 powered W-body 2008-2009 model years were the best performing cars. They had 303 horsepower and decent fuel economy (16 city, 24 hwy). That 5.3 LS4 V-8 was powerful and it had some grunt too with the factory dual exhaust. They went 0-60 m.p.h. in 5.3 seconds and a top speed of 150 m.p.h. The performance is even more impressive when you install an aftermarket cold air intake and upgrade the dual exhaust. Those front wheel drive V-8 W-body cars pull hard. They were:
Chevrolet Impala SS
Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS
Pontiac Grand Prix GXP
Buick Lacrosse Super
I agree. Those V8 powered models were really something. Awesome cars, lots of power, easy to work on. I've seen them beat much more expensive, much sportier cars. Sleeper cars for sure
@@NexusAuto I knew a guy who owned an 2009 LS4 5.3 V-8 equipped Impala SS. He upgraded the exhaust with Corsa, equipped it with K&N cold air intake, and even upgraded the headers. The exhaust sounded nice with that throaty grunt. He drag raced a Mustang GT and Camaro SS. The Impala SS has beaten both in a quarter mile. Those LS4-equipped W-body cars are fast.
the trailblazer isnt a w body but its my favorite ss forsure. one of those in all black were r like the trackhawk before the trackhawk in my eyes. i jus love those things
My Buick Regal GS it's the only one in Mexico and I ❤ him!...✌
That's awesome! It must turn some heads there! Beautiful ride!
I love my 05 Buick Lacrosse. 204,000 miles and it still runs great.
Awesome! It really is a nice car. I think they are underrated! I have a neighbor with a light blue one and he loves it.
I've got an 02 Grand Prix GTP with 216,000 miles on it. It's a pretty good car, still loves to get up and go. My only complaints are that I've had a lot of electrical issues with it, and it rusts pretty easily, which seems to be a problem on all W-Body cars.
Absolutely. Rust is a huge issue, especially on the strut towers and the rocker panels. Electrical is less of an issue, but still one, regardless. Hopefully they are not too much of an annoyance. I still love my GP. They are great cars!
This was a great and honest video. I concur with just about with everything you said and as being a tech for the past 20 years, your categorization is spot on! The one car that I was hoping to be #1 on your list got me all smiles because I have always been a Pontiac guy and the Grand Prix to me always exerts performance, style, and handling. In conclusion, I'm finally off to buying my 1st W body: a '02 Pontiac Grand Prix GTP/GTX...for preservation, track duty, and for the sheer enjoyment because 'wider is better!'
Thanks, glad to hear this feedback! Really appreciated! Glad to see you agree with it too, I am a Pontiac guy so I would have been biased for sure. So I am glad to see it did come out on top, regardless. I remember that wider is better slogan. I had a poster years ago with a Grand Prix (this was late 90s, like 99) with a red GP with that slogan advertising the widetrack. Love these cars since then, before I even knew what a W Body was LOL. Glad to hear you are getting a GP, And a GTX....not a common car at all! It will be awesome to do some track runs and drag strip pulls!
@@NexusAuto yup my plan is to tear it down, do a mild rebuild for street/strip use. I'm not into the eye candy valve cover paint jobs and such. I want to make it look as factory as possible with the internals of a sleeper. I've always been a fan of originality but sometimes a good tune to a street car can wake up fun cars like these and they deserve to be!
@@carrsllccarrillo6507 completely agree. It's amazing what you can unlock in some cars. Proper tuning goes a long way! Love hearing stories like this! Cars are meant to be driven!
I just bought a 95 Grand Prix se. It was in storage since 98 and now only has 93k miles with no engine lights. I just need a control arm
Nice! Awesome find...crazy low mileage for a 95!
I have a 98 lumina with about 44k miles and ngl I was a lil disappointed when I saw it was number 9 but I love the thing so far🤣
Oh I hear you! The one I had was a 98 as well, and I really did like that vehicle. But 44k miles?! Wow...that's low. You should still have so much life out of it. In my opinion, a number 9 wbody is better than a lot of other cars out there anyways lol. Keep cruisin!
I own a 1995 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme SL [Gold Edition]
Nice! I know the Supremes, but not aware of the Gold Edition. How is it? How is it treating you?
@@NexusAuto We're trying to iron out the kinks, it has a faulty radiator fan, probably due to frayed/shorted out wires. But aside from that, runs like a dream.
@@IAmMisterTterevel Considering the age, I think that is not bad at all. I am sure you will have that solved in no time...glad to see an Olds still around. I don't seem them in my area anymore.
@@NexusAuto And we got it cheap, $500 [US].
And I made a video:
th-cam.com/video/ah4jbe26D6o/w-d-xo.html
I currently Own a 1992 Oldsmobile Cutlass supreme that I bought in 2001 and a 1996 Olds cutlass supreme that i got in 2004, the 1992 with has the 3.1 multiport and the 96 has the 3100. I'm probably the foremost expert on them in particular but I have also owned a 1990 chevy Lumina 3.1, 3.1 multiport engines are a bit underpowered but the upside is the reliability being they have a timing chain and very easy accessory belt drive line up. Water pump, alternators and power steering all on top. Downside to the cars, the Transverse Composite Leaf Spring. But all said, GM was dabbling in some technology back in 1992, the cars were ahead of their time. We won't argue that. Cheers friend.
That's awesome! You've had some great experiences with Wbodies and the Cutlass Supreme in particular too. Gotta agree with the leaf spring set up. But I love these cars overall and they were definitely underrated, underappreciated vehicles. I think that's why, those who have/had them, stand by them. And so easy to work on and reliable too (except those later model transmissions). Nice to meet a fellow fan!
And the Lumina LTZ is a fantastic looking car, get a 98 to 2000 with the 3.8 though. In reliability there is really no difference in second gen’s, ie 95 Lumina, 97 Grand Orix etc, they are even on reliability. They are the same parts under the body and last the interior.
I love my 07 Pontiac GP
Awesome! I have my 05 still and love it! Don't think i'll ever get rid of it
I own a 1998 Chevy lumina and it runs nice and I’m only 18 and when we got it, it had 75,000 miles and we bought it for 1,800 I love it but we all are biased abt our first cars
Very nice. I loved my 98 with a 3100 engine. It was great to just get around in. I agree, we will always be biased to our cars. Nothing beats them lol
@@NexusAuto exactly it isn’t the fastest and prettiest but they were good for running around and for a work car
@@NexusAutonothing is better than a W-body😍😍 I love these cars SO MUCH!! Back when they were all new and still today loving and rocking them just the same. Hell I actually love them even more now because of their age I can throw it in peoples faces that our cars stood the test of time and still just as good. I will keep up with these till the day I die
@mopargm9329 same here! I love my GP and I'll never get rid of it! Such an awesome car and it gets compliments to this day. I even get offers to buy it! But never getting rid of it!
@@NexusAuto good don't ever sell her. They just have that perfect personality and honestly GPs, Montes, and Impalas are just perfect for me. Plus they're about the easiest platform to completely tear apart and put back together in the driveway. I have always sworn by the W platform and the 3800 engines. So much fun I really love these cars😍 And no matter how many I buy every one is so exciting and at the same time very familiar. We need to rescue as many as possible and keep these awesome cars going. These are real cars and IMO NOT disposable. I just can't say enough good things about them! Very glad I found your channel. And i will never sell my 04 dale Jr SC Monte L67 either and your 05 GP is awesome too!! I love it
Was lucky to find a 08 GXP even an hour from where I live, for 4200 with somehow little to no body or frame rust for where I live(just some on the suspension). It did have a couple things needed but it's not like it didn't work. Still have it as a daily and get better gas mileage than my old 04 Chrysler 300m. Even a buddy of mine joked about trading his 06 Impala SS for it, mainly for just how how nice the interior in the GXPs were and the body design, though both are great cars.
You're definitely lucky to find one for sure. They're getting harder and harder to find, especially in good condition. And hey, nothing wrong with an Impala SS, but I agree, I prefer the GP interior
Very nice. I love my GM W-bodies and Chrysler LH bodies. I've had many of each and LOVED my old 02 Chrysler 300M special. I will keep buying, restoring, rebuilding, racing and collecting both GM W-bodies and Chrysler LH bodies with the 3.5 H.O and some 1st gens with the 3.3 and 3.5
I have owned three Grand Prixs, a 98 GT, 98 GTP and currently a '99 GTP coupe. They will rust under the tacked on cladding! I had a brand new '07 Monte Carlo SS that was real nice, but not perfect. I currently have my daily driver , ( a.k.a. the "Beater") 1994 Regal sedan with the 3800 series I. I'll probably keep it until I die at this point. 29 years old and only 103K miles on it! And lastly, I have a 2005 LeSabre with 73K miles on it ( last year of production).
Whoa! You've had a serious run with the Wbody and 3800 engine line! And that's seriously low miles on the Regal and LeSabre! They'll probably run forever!
@@NexusAuto I've also owned two Century wagons with the 3.1 engine. One was a '94 and one was a '95. Don't know if they were considered "W" bodies though.
@@stevesmith6236 that generation wasn't a w-body, but still great, underrated vehicles! You've had a great line up over the years!
Very glad to find this; most interesting. I own a 2002 Grand Prix GTP, bought new, now has 93k miles. I love the styling and it has enough power. But it also has some frustrating problems. Worst is the wooden steering [no feel at all, though synthetic PS fluid helped a bit.. Next the body which does not feel very solid, especially when encountering harsh bumps. Next, reliability is rather poor. Many expensive to repair leaks [oil and coolant], A/C failed at 70k miles, transmission at 85k [a $3600 us repair]. I also have a 1995 Oldsmobile Ninety Eight [H body], with very similar wheelbase and weight. The Oldsmobile is streets ahead: The steering actually has feel, the body is extremely solid, much roomier, quieter, more comfortable and rides a lot better. Lastly, I wish the Intrigue had scored higher. I might trade both the GP and the 98 for a really good 3.5 Intrigue GLS.
Awesome, glad to hear you enjoyed the video. Also glad to hear your GP is still on the road, but sounds like it has been quite the ordeal. I agree with some of your comments there, especially when comparing the Ninety Eight to the Wbody. Those cars are solid, roomy, and smooth. I have an 05 personally, and had a 97 before, and both were great cars, but I do find they are hit and miss. Some people have nothing but issues, and others are nothing but smooth sailing. Also, I have always been complimented for my low mileage of my 05, I am about 200000kms/125000miles, but wow, yours is low! You have a solid car lineup there. I also agree with the Intrigue comment, it pained me to rank it as low as I did, and I have nothing but good things to say about that car when we had one. But had to remove my bias and rate it on numbers, and that brought it down. But honestly, I would recommend that car, especially with the 3.5l, to anyone.
Thanks for the great feedback and taking the time to comment. Very much appreciate it.
@@NexusAuto I keep the Pontiac because it is so beautiful. After 17 years, it still thrills me to see it.
@@stephendavidbailey2743 I hear you there. There is something about looking at these cars. They always get attention. I love looking at my 05!
I have the allure, starting to get rust but the engine is rock solid
For sure. Those engines will go forever! I like the Allure, very underrated car.
I have a 2002 Grand Prix GTP 40th Anniversary Edition and love it. It’s my second. The first one was totaled by a 12 point buck.
Damn!! Glad to hear you're ok. I know a couple of people who had their GP written off due to wildlife collisions...they do some serious damage. I love these cars...I'll never get rid of my 05. Those 40th anniversary models are awesome!
I almost bought a 2002 Grand Prix GT 40th Anniversary last year, but I backed out because of all the rust on the bottom 😭😭😭 I drove it and was in love with that car. I'd love to have one, but they're nearly impossible to find now. Most people didn't take care of them.
But I'm very glad you're enjoying your 40th Anniversary Grand Prix, and it's a GTP too? You hit the jackpot!
My first car was a 1998 Oldsmobile intrigue with a 3800 v6 I got in highschool a couple years ago and general maintenance was easy and it was a smooth riding car everybody who rode in it liked it until I got my Aurora which is the big brother and that car is whole story.
Awesome car! I loved the Intrigue...drove smooth and was very comfortable! We had the 3.5l engine...great powerplant. The Aurora....those are another car altogether. I've known a few people who owned both the first and second gen versions. 2nd gen owners seem to love them all around. 1st gen owners....seems to be hit or miss. Either the owners love them, or hated them. Sounds like you may be on the unhappy side with that car? Lol
@@NexusAuto Well see I loved my intrigue dearly even when she started having problems. which was Minor cooling issues and I fixed most of it in my driveway lol .However the styling of the intrigue made me step up to buy my Rora and Wheww I fell in love with that car quick. The intrigue is a good car and can be reliable but it was time to upgrade so I got the Aurora 97 black on black with the Autobahn package which I didn't know I even had at first lol.
@@zoidzoid87 awesome! Glad to hear you had a good experience with the Aurora. But favorite fact about those cars was that it broke the frame crusher machine used for testing frame strength...they had to use a truck frame crusher. I always remember that fact on those cars. Those drove so well. I'll always be a w-body guy, but I really liked those Auroras and Bonnevilles too. Sounds like the Aurora served you well!
I mentioned a minivan in another of your videos that shut down when you stepped on the brakes, Had the bad ground on the tail light housing. It was a Chevy Lumina . Piddle poor van if you ask me. Replaced the heater core in the front twice and the heater core for the rear 3 times in about 2 years, Major wiring issues. Don't get me started on the engine. It was nickle and dimeing him to death. I finally convinced him to get rid of it before it broke the bank. He agrees it was the best move he ever made. I believe he scrapped it so no one would ever have to sink that kind of money in a hole on wheels that you continuously poured money into. If you made a video on it all you wold have to say is that you'd have to be a dumb millionaire to be able to afford to keep it on the road. LOL
I know. Off topic but I'm really good at that. LMAO
Take care. Be safe. Merry HoHo
Oh yeah...that was one of those 'dustbuster' vans! Whoa, sounds like it was a big time money pit! That was great advice on getting rid of it. Those ones are a nightmare. The next generation like the Montana were problematic, but not as bad. Still bad though LOL. My dad had a Venture. It served us well, but it had its own share of problems! Good thing he scrapped it. Saved some poor soul from it LOL.
Fun fact...I nearly got a dustbuster van in the early 2000s. That was before the problems were widespread knowledge. I changed my mind last minute and I never looked back! LOL.
Glad to find videos on these awsome GM cars they all were bullets and hella reliable when you kept them up i got a 98 olds intrigue with the 3800 and a 99 regal 3800 my two collectors out the bunch that survived all my others had grand prix Wrecked::::;:and an MC wrecked:::: my regal and intrigue are pretty much same cars just different bodies...love em both drive them over my wifes new cars so🤷
Awesome, you still have 2 bulletproof wbodies there! I am with you there. I have bought another car, but I still love my Grand Prix. I will never get rid of it! Glad you found this video!
I have a 2003 Monte-Carlo SS with the 3800 series two in it. I got it with 106k miles on it and have 109k miles on it now.
Wow! That is really low mileage! It's great car! Hope it is still a lot of fun to drive!
@@NexusAuto , It is. That n/a 3800 still has some good power left in it
Cutlass Supreme 3.4 was the best looking one along with the Grand Prix woo woo :) sexy coupes
They are nice cars...really like those front ends on the CS. And as a double grand prix owner, I completely agree on those too!
The 04 to 08 Pontiac Grand Prix especially were beautiful cars imo. Really liked the GTP Comp G and GXP performances variants.
Completely agree. The GTP COMP G are really nice, some nice unique design bits on their that make the car stand out. But I agree...all the models look amazing. I love my 05 and will never get rid of it. I still have people today, 15 yrs later, who think it is a fairly modern car, not 15 yrs old. The styling was a bit ahead of its time. And I love those engines!
@@NexusAuto actually it ran from 2004-2009.
@@okjeffy6581 You should double check that. There is no such thing as a 2009 Grand Prix. The Grand Prix ended production in 08, and was replaced by the G8, which launched in 08. Although named as a 8th gen Grand Prix, it is not really, and considered it's own separate model. There is no production 09 Grand Prix
@@NexusAuto well, lets pretend there was.
@@okjeffy6581 😂😂 this comment made my day. Because of it, I'll go ahead and pretend lol!
Never seen a Century with buckets and center console with the column shifter. Was this a canadian version? Here in the US we only got split bench versions of the last gen Century
@@mopargm9329 you're definitely right...the Century was a split bench only with column shifter.
Your videos need ALLOT of work as far as quality goes, like omg did you do the voice over in the middle of a loud party? Soo much background noise. But the information wasn't real bad. Very good and unbiased opinions and I think your channel has the potential to go far. I definitely liked and enjoyed the video and subscribed. Needs work but good video all in all!!
Well screw you LOL. Nah, I kid. And I agree. This was a first attempt at a video like this, as I mostly film repair videos, and didnt want to invest in better audio equipment without knowing for sure how the response would be. You are confusing background noise and audio feedback from a poor mic...the room was silent with no ambient noise. But the mic was crap. But as it seems like the response was decent, I have another video in this style in the works, and I will have a better mic. Thanks for the feedback and views on the video quality...definitely appreciate it.
@@NexusAuto lol thanks for having a sense of humor. Definitely watching more vids you post
@@95blahblahhaha Awesome. glad to hear you will. Gotta have a sense of humour too..why not? :)
I think the 89-97 w body cutlass and grand prix were cool and underated...
I agree. Even in the 90s, the oldsmobile name had already developed an 'old person' brand rep and I think that automatically turned people away from the supreme. The early 90s Grand Prix are great looking cars too, very underrated (and very rare these days). I do prefer the later models, but that is my bias, as I owned a 97 and 05. All around, great cars
@@NexusAuto I am a fan of the 96's... But i do think that is a good explanation for the olds supreme, I still like the later model Supremes coupes i kinda like the weird styling especially in white, Makes them look like a space shuttle lol
@@misterbuklau4053 That is a good way of putting it...space shuttle is right. They are very nice cars, and very underappreciated. It is unfortunate that I do not see Supremes on the road at all anymore. Virtually unknown car to those who never got to experience them.
@@NexusAuto Im looking for a W body grand orix or cutlass supreme to buy
@@misterbuklau4053 Hmmm, may be hard to find a Supreme. I was curious, and I searched my area in Ontario, Canada ,and I actually found 2...unreal! Maybe you will find one in your area.
I had a 92 Buick Regal that was the best riding car I ever owned. Also had an 08 Impala - not nearly as comfortable but a bit roomier.
I agree with that. The Buicks were always a much smoother ride. Had a Century and drove a late model Regal. Not performance suspension by any means, but never meant to be. You feel very little of the road. The Olds Intrigue was similar too.
I have a 02 Grand Prix GT with the 3800, great car. Other than basic parts that will fail over time like a water pump and wheel bearings, everything else works fine and is in great shape. Has 176k miles and the trans is still strong. Then again I do baby it most of the time. When I do nail it though, I’ve noticed I often leave modern cars of the same type in the dust. I miss Pontiac, imagine what they could have been releasing today 💯
I know...would love to see what the GM Performance Division would be making today. I have seen some new Camaros that people have made Trans Am bodies for....looks amazing. I love the Grand Prix, and it does leave people in the dust, They are underrated cars. I will get compliments today....some have even said it holds up against modern car design (exterior-wise). The interior is a bit dated, even in the last gen, but that is ok. Still love it! Glad to hear your 02 is still going!
@@NexusAuto i have a 1998 chevy lumina 3800 with 88k miles and it runs great
@@danq_cxp3731 wow...88k miles is really low! Impressive. I love the Luminas. I had one and I called it the Surprise. It was a great joy to drive. Glad to hear yours is still going strong.
Are all of the W-Body series II GM vehicles parts interchangeable?
Most parts are interchangeable. There are some exceptions, but overall, most parts transfer over between 3800 series II models.
Correct me if I'm wrong but wasn't the Pontiac Grand Am, Pontiac Bonneville, and Oldsmobile Alero built on the same platform as the rest of these cars again I'm just asking so please correct me if I'm wrong.
YOU'RE WRONG! Lol. Sorry, had to say it. All in good fun 😂.
Those cars are all different platforms for sure. The Grand Am and Alero are N-Body cars (along with the Malibu). It was a shorter platform. The Bonneville was G-Body, which was a much longer, bit wider platform to the W-body cars.
I have a 91 cutlass Supreme 3.1, and the abs died. I know that the ABS in the early w bodys are junk... Can i swap a 92 up abs system?
I don't believe it is possible, but I am not 100% sure, so don't quote me 100%. I looked at both units and the 91 unit looks to be standard hydraulic unit, while the 92 and up is has electronic controls. While I always say anything is possible with cars, if it is possible, it does not look like it is an easy job, and require a lot of work, money, and changes to the system.
Yes, this is possible. You could also just swap over to regular vacuum brakes as well if you don't want ABS. For RPO codes, you'll want to find a J65 car if you do want the regular vacuum brakes or just look at the brake master to see no electronics hanging off the side. With your car having ABS, you'll have a JL9 code and will need to find another 92 and up car with the same code.
We had 3 Cutlass Supremes. The 3.1 and 3.4 where the issue with them.
Did you have the Intake Manifold issue? That is awesome though...not many people had Supremes. Do you still have any?
I am going to take over my mothers 2001 Grand Prix GT which was babied all its live and damn is it a nice car to drive.
Oh that it awesome. I have a 97 a long time ago, before my current 2005. Those are beautiful cars...really love them. i think that is a great car to take over. Glad to hear the car is still going!
I was worried the GP would not make the top at least the last Gen. As much as I love my 04 but the head room annoys me. Im 6"1 and I have sit slightly "gangsta" to fit, and that can be a bit uncomfortable.
Damn, that sucks, but I hear you. I had a 97 and my current 05. My 97 did have more head room both front and rear. I am 5'10", so I never had to consider this. I am happy the GP topped the list. I owned many of these, but my 05 is my favorite for sure. Such an annoying problem to have
@@NexusAuto Yeah but iv learned to live with it, I hope to be in my 50's one day and still be driving it. Your videos have been a big help with me just doing the every day stuff that needs to be done, I studied automotive but never really got a good hands on teacher so while I can guess the problem correctly... IE: CarTalk, I could not actually do the work. lol
@@BeeABaw that's awesome news...I hope the same for me and my GP.
Thanks for that great feedback...really appreciate it. Exactly the reason I make these videos! Sounds like you had a really good handle on the theory, it was just the practical application. Glad to hear my videos have helped with that. You've given great feedback in the past and things like that keep me making videos. Thanks 👍🏾
I got a 97 Grand Prix GT. I wish it was a GTP but I still love it.
Nice! I had a 97 as well a long time ago, but it was an SE (although it had the 3800 and not the 3100). Loved that car. Glad to hear yours is still going!
@@NexusAuto I never knew the SE could have the 3800, I always thought it was stuck with the 3100.
@@notsogrand2837 You can get the 3800 in the SE, but it had to picked as a special order item and was rare. I was lucky enough to find one at a car auction with the 3800 and the rear spoiler from the higher end models as extra options. I had both my 97 and 05 at one point, until someone t-boned the 97 and wrote it off. Still have my 05
@@NexusAuto Nice, sad for the 97 though, I like the 97-03 styling a little more than the 04+. I'm debating on going for a Firebird LS1 WS6 if I can get that kind of money or if not settle with an older LT1 for awhile. I want to supercharge my 97 GP but I'm sure that'd just grenade the transmission and I'd end up spending enough money where I could've just gotten the Firebird lol. That's my only gripe with the W Bodies are the trannies and mine has 208,000 on it so far so good till I throw 260hp at it.
currently own 6 grand prixs yr 99 to 02 and 4 monte carlos 1 is a 97 and 3 99 z34 cars. Love them would rather a 5 speed manual or maybe awd like cars are now but otherwise no complaints
Damn! I know some people who own multiple wbody cars...hell, I owned many over my life. But I don't think I've met someone who owns as many all at once like you. I'm impressed! That's amazing! Same here, no complaints with my current 05. Love that car
For the 5 speed option, and I apologize if you already knew this, you'll need to go after a 88-90 Supreme coupe or sedan for the 282 Getrag, 91-92 for the 284 Getrag. For the Lumina's, your only option will be the Z34 from 91-93 and only the 284. For the Grand Prix, again, 88-90 for the 282 and 91-93 for the 284.
Great video. Very sweet comment about your sister. I've owned 3 gtps and agree they are the best but I think you need a sub category for the Regal GS. I just got one because I loved suping my gtp to over 400hp very inexpensively, but hated guys trying to race be because the secret is out. Most people still don't know about regal gs having the same engine and being a great sleeper. I love mine. I would put it 3 on the list. I think Monte Carlos had huge blind spots and didn't have the supercharged v6 for very many years which ranks it lower to me. The impala at 2 was good. Always liked those. The SS were great too!
The Regal GS is an underrated car for sure. I liked them, even the base LS model. But those GS models can go! Same with the Impalas too. People really saw them as fleet cars, but if you got a supercharged one or V8, they really would shock people.
Thanks for the great comments, feedback and opinions on the video. I always love reading peoples experiences with WBody cars, and how they would rate things.
And let's not forget about the very rare Regal GSX.
Am I correct when I say that the buick 3.8 had a serious problem blowing out the plastic intake manifold??
They did have an issue, but not a major issue. It's not as widespread as the 3.1L and 3.4Ls. Those are notoriously bad for them...pretty much guaranteed to have an issue if you had a 3100 or 3400. the 3800 weren't as bad.
@@NexusAuto I have a friend who bought a Buick. I can't remember which engine it had but it blew out the intake manifold 3 times in 2 years. They finally scrapped it. What a waste of money. They asked me to go look at the car with them. It was just one of those cars you only had to stop and look at to know that you had to walk away from. I never bothered to lift the hood or look underneath. As soon as I saw it I told them to walk away. They didn't listen and wound up with what wound up being nothing more than an expensive boat anchor. I've never bothered to help them find another car. It's just a total waste of time if they don't listen. Next time I saw them they has an 04 Grand Prix. They've been driving it for about 5 years now. The check engine light came on once. Code showed a vacuum leak in the evap system. Told them to go get a new gas cap. Instead they took it in and paid a couple hundred dollars to have some sensor in the top of the tank replaced. Within a few days the light was back on. They finally went and got a gas cap and resolved the problem. Go figure
Take care and be safe.
@@missychevious3137 I will never understand that. They ask you to come along, presumably for advice. Then when you provide that advice, they ignore it. Why bother? Same with the gas cap. I've had that happen in the past as well. I just don't bother if they don't listen. And when an issue comes up, I give them a very obvious 'I told you so' glance LOL.
Take care and be safe too!
@@NexusAuto I'm not so nice. I just walk away from them the next time they ask for my advise or help. I'm a senior citizen. I earned the right to be a pr**k. LMFAO
@@missychevious3137 LMAO absolutely! I'm with you there. Don't worry, I may be on my way there myself HAHAHA.
Great video. I have a question? I was wondering if I could swap front and rear subframes with 4.8 v8 or a 5.3L from a monte carlo or impala? Thanks so much.
the Vortec 4.8 wasn't in any of the wbody cars, and I don;t think the applications it was in has a compatible subframe. For the 5.3L, they do have compatible subframes with the 3800, so that should work overall. Can't say 100% year over year, but I believe it is the same across all MYs
I have a 05 Pontiac Grand Prix GT, love my car but can’t get rid of abs and traction message and lights on the dashboard
Yeah that is a common issue on these cars. Normally it is the wire that feeds the abs speed sensor, often on the passenger side (but it can be other things). did you get the car scanned? It will normally tell you which wheel is giving issues.
I love my GP too. I will never get rid of it.
I did by one mechanic and they just told me it was the wiring. I’m going to get a second opinion though.
@@oreosgir That is a good idea...never hurts to get a second opinion. Although if it comes up with wiring, it is entirely possible. Fairly common on these cars. Hopefully you get it sorted out.
I’m forever keeping my 05 Gtp
Same here. I have a 2005 as well, but it is a base model (but modified). I'll never let that car go
One factor in the recall volume is that they all use the same basic parts.
To some degree, but they changed a lot over the years. Certain things like chassis, engine, suspension and brakes were generally the same, but there were exceptions and changes throughout the years. Even so, it is definitely something to consider, and I found it interesting how some cars can be very close to identical, but the recall and repair rates were different. I really enjoyed making this video...some interesting insights
Yep Grand Prix’s look way too sexy with good power and gas mileage. Got a 1999 GTP with 111,000 miles like new. Keeping it for the Future Classic Car Money......
Awesome! That is great mileage for your GTP. I love how these cars look and sound too. A lot of people underestimate these cars.
is an 03’ 3.8L monte carlo ss also considered a W body?
Yep it is. From 1995 onwards, all Monte Carlos were wbody cars
What body type is a 95 park avenue
That's a C-Body platform. Very similar to the H-Body used for Bonnevilles, Lesabres, etc. Those are great cruisers!
the 80's is when FWD came out and became popular and new almost EVERY car out there is FWD!!!
True
Front wheel drive has been out since the 1940s
You forgot the Bonneville....by far one of Gm’s best W-body sedans. Only a few left though so I see how you let that slip up happen.
I would never forget the Bonneville. One of my favourite Pontiacs of all time. I hate to break the bad news, but the Bonne's are not WBody cars, they are built on a larger full size platform, called the H Platform, which was used in Buick and Oldsmobile as well. I think the last model was on a different platform too. I remember that the Olds Aurora and Bonneville were on the same platform, but it wasnt the H.
The Bonneville is a great car, but not a W-Body.
Nexus Auto I’ll send you a picture of one of my two W-body bonnevilles.....perhaps they labeled it wrong in Detroit....Both vehicles were manufactured in the (Gm) Michigan facility.
your right Nexus it is H-body but I have the wrong labels on both my vehicles....label is on the drivers door☹️
@@davidthompson2556 oh no worries at all. Glad we cleared it up. To be honest, I am more intrigued by the fact that your Bonne has W-Body stickers...there is a story there. Were the mis-printed from the factory? Or did someone stick that one afterwards? How many Bonnevilles have this? I find this very interesting. Little things like that are always an interesting find!
Nexus Auto yes absolutely intriguing I now find myself on a personal quest to find out why these two particular models I have are sporting a W-body label & if it has anything to do with them being Florida cars.
OK, point taken but, the info I have from GM says 95 through 97 Cutlass Supreme production numbers were closer to the 300k mark. Where I live I see these cars on the road every day but not Pontiacs. Could be just location and demographics. Just for fun you do realize that most of these W-body cars used the same chassis/suspension, door handles, door glass, engines and transmissions. On the rare occasion I need a part for my Oldsmobile's that's discontinued I get what I need from a Pontiac at "Pull-a-Part". GM has been "or was" infamous for using the same chassis with different skin, lights and trim. My 2016 Buick LaCrosse has pretty much the same chassis as a caddy or a fully loaded Impala or Malibu. My point being that the Selling Price of the these cars is where the difference is. Oldsmobile's and Buicks were more expensive to buy. People want everything for cheap and then don't take care of it. With the exception of my Buick and Olds they all ride like skateboards. People who have never drove or rode in a 1975 or earlier car will not get the skateboard thing. While we're at it, I would love to hear your take on why GM went with the "corvette style" rear suspension on the Oldsmobile's and some Pontiacs from 92 to 97. P.S. I also own a 03 Taurus with 217k, just thought I'd throw that in there. Finally, please leave the Lumina out of future video's. It's not even close to being in the same class as the others.
Hmmm, that is more than the numbers I had, but we'll leave that as is. No point on discussing the merits of sales numbers from almost 30 yr old cars! LOL. I completely agree with you on the location and demographics...I have not seen a Supreme in my area in close to a decade, I kid you not. I am in Ontario, Canada. Then again, sometimes I travel to the US and I see cars I do not see here anymore. Last I went, just before Covid, I saw 2 Corsicas! I have not seen a Corsica in ages here! The same is said for the same Model Year Grand Prix's as the Supreme...have not seen a lot, but I do see them on occasion. Modern GPs are still around...not including my 05, there is 3 others just on my street. But there are late model GPs, and not what we are talking about.
I absolutely know that, in regards to interchangeability of parts for the W-Body platform. I mean absolutely no offense to this, but did you watch this video entirely? I have worked on, owned, or engaged with almost all Wbody cars. I know them fairly well. I am no expert, but I know a bit. I know GM and their brand engineering well, working on the Jbodys, FBodys, GMT360, GMT920, and more, even other makes from Japan, Germany, and Korea. And I agree with the skateboard thing...I drove many older GMs too. I love older cars...although the world is changing, I still quote 'there is no replacement for displacement' lol. I personally found the Buick Regal Wbodys to be the softest ride, along with the Century, but the trade off was the cornering ability, obviously. As I said in the video, due to rarity, the Supreme is one of the few Wbodys I never got to try out in any MY, so I had no comparison point for them. But it was whatever you were looking for, you can find a version of it in a WBody.
Hey, I have to include the Lumina for this video...it is a Wbody, whether we like it or not. I had one, and it was so blah, but it was my winter beater for a bit, and it was great for this. And rode surprisingly well, but well underperformed everywhere else lol. But I don't think I will ever bring it up again, so no worries there!
BTW, I really do like your car collection. A 2016 Lacrosse, 03 Taurus, and 2 Supremes? That is pretty awesome!
Owner of a 98 Lumina LTZ here. You may not consider it to be in the same class but I feel that they are just as good as any other W-body if taken care of properly. If they made more with the 3800 I'm sure it would've had better sales to some degree. But it's my second one, and I've loved it ever since I got it.
Totally agree. These cars are still pretty easy to find here in my area. When I was looking for a daily driver, I had dozens of 90-97 Cutlass Supreme sedans to pick from. Ended up with a low mileage 96 SL. Continues to be very reliable after 3 yrs of ownership.
@@handsome4922 My first Lumina was a '90 coupe. It had a great ride disc brakes all 'round. The '99 LS Lumina 223K I've had for 19 years is alright with no major issues for which I am grateful.
@@charleswilliams8836 They're bloody loyal if you take care of them, and people look at me all crazy when they say I've done state to state trips in mine. Upkeep and fixing or keeping an eye out for major issues is the key to making them last
The Lacrosse is the best! Especially the 08-09!
I agree. The LaCrosse is an underrated vehicle. Very comfortable, great features, good power!
I have a 1995 grand prix (w body) . It was my wife car we purchased almost new ,
PAID $ 15,000 with out interest. we liked it at first , loved the size and look and the drink
holder. the 3100 had plenty of power/ found out brake jobs were exspensive ,
but now has 190,000 on we go about twenty K more at 170,000 needed head gasket.
oh but that was on an engine from a lumina when the mechanic would rather
switch an engine than fix intake gasket leaking oil every where what a mess of coarse
we should of quit driving it when it first started leaking/ I saved it in the garage for 10
years with the engine out and purchased a limina transmission 4t60E from a guy that
rolled his lumina chevy from strut tower rusting out from wisc. salt so it might run again.
I wanted to comment that on your vidio after you name the car and listening to the
review I couldn't tell what kind of car you were talking about as to me I remember in the
60's when you could tell cars apart . but I can't any more thks for mentioning the W body
anf that 9 vehicles used it too bade you didn't include 1995 grand prix.
Sounds like you had quite an ordeal with your 95 GP. Hopefully the doner car transmission and engine will get you up and running again. When they are working, they are great car.
Glad you enjoyed the video. FYI, this covers all GPs and w-body cars, including the 95 GP. It's a grouped rating, so it covers all GPs from 1988-2008 (the video mentions it had a 20 year run).
Wasn’t the Saturn Aura a W Body?
Nope, it was on the same platform at the Malibu (If I remember correctly). I forget that platform name, but it wasn't a Wbody car
As much as I love my Lacrosse Super, they're not as reliable as older Buicks. It's plagued with small issues like certain windows not working, fob doesn't work, abs is out, and it's been thru several transmissions. The 5.3 is the strong point but the head gaskets just blew so not bulletproof, but hey it made it 240k miles
I do agree, especially with the ABS and the transmission. Those are very common issues. The transmission is like the Achilles heel of these cars. Sorry to hear about the heads too. 240k miles is pretty decent mileage, but it's true, not bulletproof. I think the 3.8L is more reliable, but they have their own issues and of course, that V8 is a lot of fun.
I like the 2008 - 2009 lacrosse the best.
Repowered my '08 lacrosse w/3.8l and remanufactured transmission a year ago. Done other suspension replacement and hub bearings.
Now has 219 k miles / in wisconsin and no rust ( yet ) very good in snow!
I would buy another. If I had more driveway space
@@missingremote4388 Awesome, glad to hear the car is treating you well. They are very nice cars, can't go wrong with that.
@@NexusAuto My 2005 Grand Prix GT has major ABS, traction control, and front suspension issues. I'm trying my hardest to save up enough money to fix everything, but it's going to be so expensive. Plus I gotta get a new radio for it, because my CD player doesn't work at all. I really don't want to part with my Grand Prix, but it's getting so expensive. Just hit 142K miles.
@Hakeem Sd70M oh damn! Sorry to hear that. Sounds like a lot of big expenses coming up.
Normally, I always give the advice that if a vehicle, no matter how much you love it, becomes a money pit, then sometimes you have to cut your losses. However, I know in a lot of areas, it's still pricey to get a vehicle, new or used. Hopefully the work you need won't cost too much and you don't get any more issues
Totally disagreeing with your comments on the earlier Lumina and Cutlass Supreme. You're focusing on the later W body's and those are much more generic. By the way, the Green convertible Cutlass at about 6:46 in...I know the gentleman who still owns the car. He still has the car and it has over 100,000 miles on it. It has proven to be very reliable as he does the recommended maintenance on it. Cars are very much a generational thing and that greatly influences whether you like or dislike a car. Making comments about cars you don't know I feel isn't fair. Making comments about cars that you DO know very well, yes, that is the correct way of going about this. Please do not include generations of W body's that you aren't well versed in. Thank you.
Hate to tell you this, but your information here is no different than mine...it's your opinion vs mine. And that's ok...you're allowed to disagree. But my scoring was based on hard data pulled on all these cars from various sites. Opinions on looks were from focus groups, so others opinions. And I gave my own opinions, but I was honest, upfront, and that had no bearing on scoring. Your comment on later wbodys being generic is entirely your opinion...I know owners who prefer the old models by a large mile, but I know owners who prefer newer models. Not sure if you watched the video, but I owned Lumina, and loved it. I have owned or operated the vast majority of these cars, new and old. I prefer the grand prix, sure, but I loved all my wbody cars. I haven't owned them all, and haven't driven them all (like the Cutlass Supreme), but this video makes it clear this is my opinion. You still can't deny facts, one way or another. Your friend may own a 100000 mile Cutlass, which is fantastic, honestly, but there is a reason why these are not seen at all anymore. I live in Canada, travel to the US frequently (pre-pandemic), and haven't personally seen one in years. I know they're out there, just rare. That's just the reality. It's why my opinions are given separately. Hope this clears it up. Make sure, when commenting, that you know how to separate your own personal opinion and experience from facts and another person's opinion. Thank you, and have a great day
Yeah, I get that. Just seems like your beating up more on the early pre airbag cars. Listen, I currently own a 91 International Cutlass coupe and 93 Grand Prix STE sedan. I've also owned a 2006 Grand Prix GXP, bought it brand new. I fully understand that you're going off of hard number data and focus group information. I love the W body's I've owned for different reasons...and disliked them as well. I was just expressing that if you're going to post information and a video like this, you have to expect some disagreement and kick back. Cars are very much a subjective thing. Like you stated on how you're basing your ranking on hard numbers, I'm also curious if you would rank them differently if you're going off of just overall liking of the cars, not taking these hard numbers into consideration. Would you rank them differently? How early of a W body have you owned? I very much respect other people's opinion about their cars...but also will defend mine.
I wish you nothing but kindness and happiness. You're still a car guy and that's all that matters!
@@jiggity76 Oh trust me, if not for the 'hard data', I would not. Just as an example, in the video, I mentioned I loved my Lumina when I had it and it would have ranked much higher. That is still one of my favorite cars of mine. Just the data is what caused it.
I fully expect people not to agree. As with any multiplatform car (Jbody, Civics/ILX/CSX, Chrysler Cab Forward, GMT360s, etc), people will always have an opinion based on what they either heard or more importantly, their experience. For example, the Lumina would have scored 4-ish on my list if based on my personal experience. I loved that car. Same with the Intrigue. Off the top of my head, it would probably have been 2, based on my experience. That car was so smooth, gave no issues, and protected my sister in a T-bone collision. So I get that. Your initial message felt like you were saying my opinion was invalid while yours is fact, an all too common occurrence on social sites. But seeing your response, I completely get where you are coming from and I digress. I am all for disagreement, and will always respect others opinion (as I stated in my other comment), as long as someone respects mine. I feel we are the same here, and I completely respect that. And you clearly very passionate about these, and that is awesome to me. So no worries at all.
As you asked, here is some interesting tidbits from me.
For cars I have personally owned,
97 Chevy Lumina, 98 Buick Century, 97 Grand Prix, and 2005 Grand Prix (still have the 05)
Through my parents, they owned a few as well, and I have both driven and worked on them extensively enough that they might as well be mine LOL. Those are 89 Regal, 2001 Intrigue
I had family who owned some as well, and I worked on those too, so have lots of experience. Those would be 98 Regal, 2001 Impala, 2008 Impala, 2006 Monte Carlo. I have worked on the 3100, 3400, 3800, 3800SC, and LS4 engines over the years.
Without putting any thought at all, and just based on purely how I feel, this would probably be my list
9. Olds Cutlass Supreme
8. Buick Allure/Lacrosse(these are only rated this low as I have 0 experience with them)
7. Century (this car gave me so many issues near end of life)
6. Monte Carlo
5. Impala
4. Regal
3. Lumina
2. Intrigue
1. Grand Prix
I would fully admit I am completely biased to the Grand Prix, as my best experiences have been with my 97 and 05 cars. The others are based on how much memories and love I had, how much I drove them, and how well the treated me. It would be a much different list for sure.
I wish you happiness and prosperity as well. You are very respectful and drive great points...something that doesn't happen often on here. I wonder, how would you rate the 9?
I have a 2000 Bonneville ssei that shit lit af
No doubt! When I bought my GP, I was tossing between that and a Bonne. Love those cars too!
Dude. You’ve got to be kidding about the Cutlass. Literally disagreed with almost everything you said, I normally don’t do that. It was like being in an episode of the Twilight Zone hearing your talk about the car being ugly while at the same time the screen is showing some gorgeous 2 door Cutlasses. Like what in the actual f*** is going on here?
I’ve had a lot of cars but that one was near the damn top of the best vehicles I’ve ever owned. Insanely reliable, fantastic throttle response and get up and go to it, damn thing was nimble like a go kart, one of the most attractive interiors of all the 90’s cars with that dash and console, the nose was odd but the Camaro-like headlights made up for it, great rear end on her with the lip spoiler and matching flared taillights, bold color options, comfy seats, tons of options. More than once I got a note left under the wipers saying “nice car!”
Sh**, you said it yourself, they are hard to find and at stupid high prices because they are valuable today. I’m shaking my head at this video so bad I’m getting a neck injury.
I don't think you watched the entire video...or even the beginning.
You can disagree...there is some facts here, and some opinions. The 'ugly' thing is not my opinion, but the opinions of the focus groups. That's why there's 2 parts to each car...one from the stats, specs and focus groups, and another about my opinion. I personally think they are great looking cars, but just because you and I do(along with others here), doesn't mean the general public feels the same.
You've obviously had a great experience with yours. But you have to be honest with yourself too. I'm part of many 3800 and woody groups, both online and in person. Do you know what car is never mentioned? The Cutlass. Which is unfortunate. But that's why I called it the 'ugly duckling' of the wbody world. It's not a bad car at all, but it's an often forgotten car. Especially since it's an older model and people sleep on Oldsmobile.
The video isn't meant to hate on the Cutlass, or any other wbody. In my opinion, the worst wbody is better than a lot of other cars out there. But you can completely disagree with me, of course. It is what it is. Hopefully you do calm down a little on a simple, fun video.
Why did you separate the 00-05 and the 06-13 they were completely different vehicles with different drivetrains
Same could be said for the Buck regal, or the Pontiac Grand Prix, or the Monte Carlo. The Impala of 00-05 and the 06-13 had different drivetrains, and interior/exterior changes, but chassis, suspension, brakes were all w-body. If I divided all cars by generation, this list would become significantly bigger, and the video would become more boring and redundant. This video was to break down each model, inclusive of all generations. Theoretically, I could make a whole video just on the impala alone, or the GP, or the Regal, or any other multi-generational models...there is enough information to do that. But then, this video would end up 45 mins long under the current format. Was not about to do that.
I have a 1995 Buick Regal GS 4dr sedan, 3800 V6 with 33,000 original miles. It is loaded with leather interior, power driver seat and power sunroof. Everything works as it should. It was refreshed 2 months ago with all new coolant hoses, including heater core hoses, power steering hose and fluid, oil and filter change, new a/c compressor and clutch and new freon, transmission filter and fluid change, thermostat and total coolant change, fresh brake fluid, new battery, new spark plugs and wires, new rear shocks and new tires. It also has new serpentine belt, tension pulleyAll work was done at a GM Buick dealership to the tune of $6900. I bought the car to be my daily driver and the last car I buy. I don't like new cars with all the modern stuff. The car has been garaged its entire life. It is COMPLETELY rust free. My wife had knee and hip surgery and can't get in it now so I bought a Lincoln Town Car.
I want to sell it.
Some people don't realize that when you buy a low mileage 29 year old car even though it looks great and you really need to do the things I had done to make it a dependable, trustworthy car to drive as a daily driver. This car if cared for will last another 250,000 miles. It is the Series I engine. The last year of the Series I. It doesn't have the upper intake leak problem because the EGR valve is configured different and outside the intake. It doesn't have the plastic elbows. It has 170 hp and 225? fp torque. It is quick and fun to drive. Doesn't have as much power as series II and III but is has the most longevity of all the 3800 engines, which is why I bought it and refreshed it. I love this car but it isn't good if your wife can't ride in it. I want what I have in it. $13,000.
I bought it at an estate sale and Buick Regal lovers came from all over to bid on this 32,000 mile car (I put 1200 miles on it since refreshed) and I won the bid at $6000. Then there was the $6900 in parts and labor. You never see these 1995 Regals anymore. Especially Gran Sports in near mint condition. You don't see any 1995 GM W bodies anymore let alone a rust free, perfect working order and beautiful cosmetic condition.one.
If a 1995 Buick Regal GS 4dr sedan is something you really wanted back in the day now is your chance. Otherwise I will drive it as my personal daily for solo errands, joyrides and fishing adventures.
Amazing vehicle! Very low miles and very hard to come by. Hope you get it sold
Surprised the regal GS wasn’t mentioned
The GS is just a trim. The Regal was mentioned, but if I had to break cars down by trim, this video would have been impossible to make. The GS is an awesome car though!
A loaded car. Sounds like me in my late teens. LMAO
I love the number 1 pick. Bought my 05 3 years ago. The guy wanted $2100 and I got it for $800. Put $600 in parts in and it runs like a top. I've always been a Mopar fan. 2 Fords, 3 GM's and a couple tons of Chrysler and Dodge vehicles. My least favourite GM was an old cavalier wagon. Absolute piece of garbage. Always breaking down, got better gas mileage out of an old 67 Newport with a 383 4bbl than this piece of junk. My second favourite is the GM line was an 86 Chevette CS. Easy on gas, rarely broke down and went like a scared rabbit with the 4 cyl and the 5 speed. Put approx 265,000 miles on it in just over 5 years. Biggest repair was a clutch and pressure plate. Other than tuneups and basic maintenance I replaced a rad and heater core. Heater core cost more than the rad. LOL Loved that car. If it hadn't been stolen I would most likely still be driving it today. Best GM...my 05 Pontiac Grand Prix. Really nice looking car, runs excellent, rides like a dream, no real complaints. What's not to love about it. That's why I was happy to see the Grand Prix come in first and yes, I'm biased. lol
I'm with you there! You had a great selection of vehicles over the years and miles (your miles, not the cars LMAO). Interesting to hear about the Chevette. I knew someone who had one with a automatic and he hated it, but he also never took care of it. Sucks that yours got stolen. Funny enough, I hade a 91 Cavalier as my first car. It treated me very well, and I loved that car. I would love to get one again, just to mess around with. I wish TH-cam existed back then. I put more money into modifications for that car then someone spend on a car LOL. But it was so nice. Funny how experienced can be so different for the same vehicle. But one thing we definitely agree on...my 05 GP is also my favorite GM that i've owned! What an awesome car...i'll never get rid of it!
@@NexusAuto Ohhh Yeah. lol The Chevette looked like it just rolled out of the showroom. It was 6 years old when I bought it. I drove one with an automatic and it was pretty much gutless. Didn't seem to have any power. I believe the 5 speed manual trans made the difference. Bought it for $250, needed an upper brake light bulb (the one in the back window) for the safety and that was it. In the next 265,000 miles I replaced Clutch and pressure plate X 1, 2 front ball joints, Brakes X2, rad X1 and heater core X2 One of the best cars I ever owned. I used to make the run from here to Cornwall every Friday night after work to see my kids (510 miles each way) and back home on Sunday. That's why the high mileage over the 5 years, It never let me down once. I gotta tell you one though that should have you roaring with laughter to do with the Chevette. I was coming home from Cornwall on a Sunday afternoon and just as I cleared Toronto I noticed that the old girl was sucking up a lot of fuel. It used on average a tank of fuel each way. Averaged approx 50 miles per gallon on the highway and I was already down a little over a 1/2 a tank. I pulled into the first service center west of Toronto and got out and raised the hood. I was standing there for a few minutes when a guy from the garage came out and asked if everything was OK. I'm standing there with the hood up so I looked at him and said "Yupp. Just wanted to stop and have a look at the motor." Now ya gotta remember, it was a little inline 4 cyl. This is the part that had me laughing so hard I could hardly stand up. My next comment was "There was a loud bang a few miles back and the car jumped. That's why I stopped. Looks like half the engine fell out back there." He asked if I wanted their service truck to go pick it up so it didn't cause an accident. I looked at him kinda funny and then the topper. He said they at least had to contact the police and let them know about the other part of the engine that was probably laying on the highway. That's when I roared with laughter. I told him to look at the size of the car and tell me he actually believed it had a V8. He got red in the face and walked away. I imagine he was cursing me all the way back to the garage. I have to say that was the most fun I ever had. It was just a vacuum hose that broke. 5 minutes and I was at the pump filling up. I'll never forget that guy as long as I live. He was a little younger than I was and I had to wonder how he ever got the job in the garage. I hoped he never got past checking oil and tire pressures. I do know he was pretty embarrassed. That was the absolute best one I ever pulled. The friend I had with me didn't know a tire from a spark plug and even he couldn't believe the guy fell for that. LMFAO If I could have held the laughter back I was going to tell him that for missing half the engine it still ran really good, just had a tiny little vibration to it but I should be able to make it home. Unfortunately, before I could get that out, I started laughing. Big give away right there.
Hopefully that gives you a little laugh on a snowy blustery day. I know I still laugh every time I talk about that one. In fact I'm having a rough time trying to type this. I'm laughing me arse off. I did and still do feel sorry for embarrassing that poor guy but I have to admit it was and still is hilarious. I only wish I still had that old girl today. Just think of all the fun I could have with that car today and all the snowflakes out there.
Well, I gotta run. Snowed all last night with a little freezing rain thrown in and it's still snowing. I have to hit the store again before mother nature takes a dump on us and forgets to wipe up her mess. Forgot something last night.
You take care and be safe out there. Until Nexus time....
The girl who isn't a girl. LMAO
@@missychevious3137 Haha I remember when the Chevette had a notchy 4 speed. I never got to drive the 5 speed...sounds like it was a big step up from the 4 speed! Wow, treated you good is right. you barely did anything on it, considering the miles and age. That is awesome stuff...shows to what you can get from a car if you take care of it!
HAHAHAHA I can't believe that 'mechanic' fell for that! LMAO. There is so much wrong with that story, but yet so right. I love it! I think a Chevy 350 small block would fill up the entire cabin of a Chevette, let alone fit in the engine bay! LOL, I kid, but seriously, that is hilarious. I have to imagine just seeing his face is the kicker in that story. Stories like this always makes me wonder...do they ever tell it from the other way around?
Thanks for the great story, Sir Miss Chevious LOL. Be safe out there. Hopefully you didn't get hit as hard as they said you would. Merry Christmas!
@@NexusAutoI have to agree. I didn't like the automatic trans or the 4 speed. I test drove both before I bought mine.. Like I said, the 5 speed made a big difference. That old girl got a wash every weekend, polished 4 times a year, tuneups and new filters every 6 months. It got the best of care but then it gave back in spades.That's one car I'll never forget. The police caught and charged the guy that stole it. He was my neighbour in the apartment beside me. I tried to get the cops to give me 5 minutes alone with him in a locked room but they laughed and said no way. Said if they could they would have. LOL
I don't think...or I should say I hope that guy at the service center wasn't a mechanic just someone who helped out around the place. I still wonder if he ever went out to check on another car in the lot with the hood up LMFAO. I saw an Austin Mini years ago with a 440 CID in it and a Vega with a 396 CID but never a Chevette with a V8. That would have been hilarious. You'd have to drive from the back seat.
It would be awesome to hear how he told the story. Probably lie through his teeth LMAO
We didn't get hit that bad here. More drifting snow than anything. I had the snow blower out this morning. The sidewalks and driveway were clear around my place. The worst of it was along fences and on the east side of the houses. I was doing the end of one driveway when the plow came along. I stood with the snow blower right at the end of the driveway so he had to slow down and go around. He was giving me the old stink eye for that but at least I didn't have to redo it. LOL It is extremely cold out though. 12 F (-11 C). All 4 doors and the trunk were froze shut on the ole Grand Prix. Managed to get 2 doors and the trunk open. Supposed to get into the low 40's mid week. If it does I'm going to silicone spray the crap out of the seals around the doors to hopefully avoid this happening again. The wind is really howling around here. Winds are still around 22 mph (36 kph) and gusting to 34 mph (54 kph). It wasn't a pretty sight with the snow blower blowing the snow one way and the friggin wind blowing it right back in my face. I looked like a snowman by the time I got finished. Snowblower worked and ran a lot better. Still have the problem with it moving forward when I put it in gear but pretty sure it's just an adjustment. Was to dang cold to adjust it more his morning. I've been in the house for about an hour or an hour and a half and I'm still shivering. I think as I age I'm becoming a wuss. LOL
The big day is tomorrow. I hope you and yours have a very Merry Christmas. I hope Santa brings you a pack of new tools to add to your hobby. lol
You take care and stay safe and warm.
@@missychevious3137 That's awesome! i love the care you put into your Chevette! Those cars were funny like that. Either people took amazing care of them, or they drove them into the ground. It sucks that it got stolen. Such a sad fate for that car. But at least they got the guy. HAHA just 5 minutes! Sometimes we can just hope to get that, just to have a 'conversation' with them LMAO!
Great news to hear you didn't get hit too hard either (and got that snowblower going too). Good thing you were there when the plow came by. I think they get some joy over piling snow up in front of peoples freshly-cleaned driveway LOL. I can only imagine the look he gave. It's going to get real chilly soon for you, so be safe out there. I will get cold, but not as bad. I'm looking at -11C tomorrow, and into the pluses by the weekend! Can't complain about that!
I had a great Christmas, and I hope it was the same for you! No tools, but lots of other goodies LOL. Take care, Sir Miss Chevious!
I agree that the first gen luminas were really not that good compared to all the newer W bodies
Yeah, they had a host of problems. I did like mine when I had it, but it definitely felt inferior to the other WBody cars that i have owned or driven.
I just sold my 95 cutlass supreme with 70k mint condition
Wow, really? That is really low k. I've seen people pay good money for those cars...hopefully you did well on the sale.
I have no clue how you figure there are many good to excellent prix out there, I have looked for 3 years for a 6th gen, every one I have found within 3 states are rust buckets so I bought a 7th which I plan on doing a gxp front swap, the 7th gens fronts are the ugliest out if all w bodies.
Just my 2 cents. Love your vids though
Hey no problem at all, nothing wrong with having a different view on the cars. I pulled all the data from independent sites (I would have some serious biases to some of the cars on the list lol). Some have issues (oh, those rusted out rocker panels and strut towers on the 6th gen...such a pain in the ass) but overall, recalls and known issues were low. But like everything on the internet, have to take it for what it is lol. Glad to see you enjoy the videos otherwise, really do appreciate the support and feedback like this!
I think Pontiac's styling peaked in the '80s to mid '90s. It finally jumped the shark with the 2001 Aztek. The last Grand Am, Bonneville, and Grand Prix designs are obviously from a time when GM had yet to learn that lesson. They tried to back pedal with the G6, Torrent, Solstice, G8, etc but it was too little , too late. Pontiac didn't die instead of Buick, it died because of Pontiac/GM.
Anyone did 5.3 swap on wbody yet
I have seen it done on a couple of cars (and a Buick Lacrosse). It can be done, but it is a ton of work. Engine drops engine, but exhaust needs to be changed (different down pipe), if you don't have a GTP, you need to upgrade the transmission to the HD one, ecu changed and remapped, etc. Tons of work. It used to make sense when GXPs were still costly, but since you can get one for a few grand these days, you may be better off just buying one of those. Unless you want a LS inside a pre 04 GP lol
I typically enjoy these lists and the different perspectives. However, I don't know what you're smoking here. I do agree the Grand Prix is far and away the best W-body. The 2nd gen W-body Grand Prix (97-03) is in my opinion one of the best looking cars ever made. But the 1st gen W-body Grand Prixs were some of the coolest cars made, especially the early ones, you could get them with a manual transmission, there was a McLaren Turbo, and the options in that car and the GT or whatever was top dog back then were way ahead of their time. After that, I could care less if it had a V8 or not, they sucked, they all looked the same and plastic overkill on the interior. But, how can you put the Monte Carlo 2nd? That car was a knockoff of whatever the sedan model was every year, outside of the NASCAR editions, there was nothing special about those cars. Other than the Buick Lucerne or however it's spelled (I'm only excluding it because I know nothing about it) the Buick versions of these cars were all pretty boring. I'm not sure how the Intrigue in that high on the list either.
But how in the world do you have the Cutlass Supreme 8th out of 9? That's ridiculous, the ONLY car you could get as a factory convertible, the only car to pace the Indy 500, lots of engine options, available with a manual transmission and Oldsmobile provided a lot of tech that was ripped off by the other cars, the quad 4 engine (which was a reliability nightmare but a fast engine), heads up display, and the coupe was a beautiful car especially after the 1991 refresh. I'll admit I'm probably biased because I did own a 1990 Cutlass Supreme
Sorry but your list is flawed, if you want to talk about reliability ALL of the earlier cars had more reliability issues than the later models, a 1991 Grand Prix is no more reliable than a 1991 Cutlass Supreme.
This is my list
1. Grand Prix
2. Cutlass Supreme
3. Monte Carlo (because of the NASCAR editions)
4. Buick Regal (some of the sporty models looked good)
5. Lumina (if it weren't for the 4 door it would've been higher)
6. Intrigue
7. The rest of the Buicks
That is the beautiful thing about opinions, we can all have our own based on our own experiences. That is why I included both the hard data ratings and my own personal ratings. If you watched the whole video (not sure if you did), but I have a lot of experience with these cars (talking from a purchasing aspect) and I would have personally rated this list differently. But using data, different story. But that is just list for fun using what data I could find, since, you know, I don't work for GM and have access to their hard data. Maybe you need to smoke something and calm down a little LMAO. I kid, just a fun list. No worries
@@NexusAuto Sorry I didn't mean it to sound harsh lol. I did watch the majority of the video (basically I watched your intro on all the cars). I did see you've had a lot of experience with them. Personally I owned a 1990 Cutlass Supreme SL in high school which had almost every option. Awesome car, unfortunately it was 8 years old when I got it and had a salvaged title but what a cool car and had some great times with it. This was in high school and the early w-bodies were in the price range that high school kids could afford, so I was familiar with a lot of them. Shortly after high school I got a 1991 Grand Prix GT, which was kind of a cool car although it had a problem where it randomly wouldn't start that I couldn't figure out so I grew to hate this car. I also owned a 2001 Grand Prix GT, like I said earlier, beautiful car but what a disappointment interior wise, that car was so dull to drive, you almost forgot how awesome it looked. Then just a few years ago I needed a cheap car and I ended up with a 97 Monte Carlo LS, I think it had around 80,000 miles but had been totaled at some point and not in the greatest shape but that thing was very comfortable.
I guess here's what's always bugged me about vehicle evolution from that time (and maybe why your list offended me lol), they consistently took things away. The early W-body cars 88-92ish had awesome options, the trip computers in the Grand Prix and Cutlass Supreme looked like they were from the future, the digital dash in the Cutlass supreme was also very cool, you could get both of them with 2+2 seating they called it which basically put a center console in the back seat which the seats weren't very comfortable but they looked cool lol. In the Grand Prix and Cutlass you could also get them with articulating front bucket seats, I think the Grand Prix seats were 16 way power adjustable front seats. And lots of engine options in the earlier models just off the top of my head I think in the early years you could get a little 4 cylinder maybe 2.2?, a quad 4 2.3, 2.8 V6, 3.1 V6, 3.4 DOHC V6, 3.8 in the Buicks and Pontiac had the turbo 3.1 V6. But by 1994 you could no longer get the trip computers, to my knowledge the 2+2 seating was gone, the articulating seats were gone, the digital dash was gone. the manual transmission was gone and by 1998 the only 2 engines I know of outside of the Intrigue was the 3100 and 3800. To me they made them look better but took the "cool" factor out of them. The other thing for me is as time went on they seemed to "cheapen" the interior, the later ones were plastic galore on the interior and seemed to rattle a lot, the seats in my 01 Grand Prix, well they looked sporty were not near as comfortable as the seats in my Cutlass, 91 Grand Prix or 95 Monte Carlo. I know later they put a V8 in some of them, but I never drove one and by that time I didn't have much interest in them anymore. I understand they probably took these options away because it was cheaper to make all the cars mostly the same. And to be fair, the later W-bodies were far more reliable than the early ones. Rear brake calipers were an issue and the distributor cap o-ring, I don't remember what it was called but basically the early 2.8 and 3.1 still had a hole in the block where the distributor would go but obviously they were no longer needed so they put a cap on the hole with an o-ring to seal it, which when I was in high school lots of them were failing, turn signal switches would go bad and the module that controlled the keyless entry was an issue.
But in all seriousness thank you for making this list, even if I don't agree with it, it brought back a lot of fun memories.
@@jasongerhard5150 oh no worries at all. I joked about your tone in jest. I could tell you were just passionate about these cars (and your Cutlass Supreme in particular). Nothing wrong with that. You definitely know your stuff and know these cars well. I really enjoyed reading your comments...always great to get feedback like this. Glad you enjoyed the video, even if the outcomes are not preferred. :)
@@jasongerhard5150 Sounds like you and me are in the same boat. I also love the early W bodies. I feel by 92, GM started taking away their uniqueness between the brands and models. This was also part of the safety regulations that all manufacturers had to abide by. The introduction of airbags for these cars in 94 really forced GM to make them more generic across the board. This explains why the Regal, Supreme, and Prix had the same dash design. To accommodate dual airbags.
Just to exercise my knowledge and hopefully educate anyone else who cares, I'll only be taking about the early W's which I love and own 2 of these cars from this year range of 91-93.
For the Cutlass Supreme, 88-93 for the digital cluster. There were 3 clusters available. A base unit with no tach and just a fuel, speedometer, and mileage gauge. This base cluster continued on until 93 but 91 was the last year for the the fancier UB3. There were 2 versions of it. One with a digital speedometer on the NON HUD cars and one WITHOUT the speedometer on the HUD optioned car. I own one of these, a 91 International coupe. GM wanted the driver to use the speedometer image displayed on the windshield from the HUD and that's why the digital 0 ISN'T present in the cluster.
GM's trip computer was called DIS in the Supreme cars. Driver Information System. It was mounted at the bottom of the center stack. Pontiac used a much larger screen on their system called DIC for Driver Information Center. There are two versions of it with different displays, button size, and arrangement, from 88-90. In 91 and until 93, a much more crisp and uniform display was added. Both versions lived in the top of the center console that butted up nicely to the center stack of the dash.
Rear buckets were offered in the Supreme, Grand Prix, and Regal. Only the Supreme and Prix coupes could be optioned with rear buckets. The Regal sedan was the only W body sedan that could be had with rear buckets and console from 91-92 and are extremely rare! Let's not forget the very rare 91-93 Grand Prix GT coupes that came standard with the rear buckets and console. Basically a poor man's version of the GTP. Most were 3.1 cars and were all automatics. Some could be optioned with the GTP's LQ1 or 3.4 DOHC 24 VALVE V6 as well. Starting in 93 and for only 93-94, rear buckets and console could be optioned in on the Cutlass Supreme convertibles.
For the front seats, RPO code AQ9's, available from 88-93 for both the Cutlass and Grand Prix. Now, the AQ9's in the Grand Prix TSTE and STE sedans from 90-93 functioned differently than the ones in the 88-93 Grand Prix coupes. There are also differences between Pontiac's AQ9's and Oldsmobile's AQ9's but very similar setup overall.
Engine options were 2.8 ONLY in 1988 for all W's. Starting in 89, the 2.8, 3.1, and the 3.1 Turbo debuted. For 90, the 3.1 (the 2.8 was dropped) and the Quad 4 debuted along with the 3.8 or 3800 V6 (Regal only) and the 2nd and final year for the 3.1 Turbo. For 91, the 3.1, Quad 4, 3800, and the LQ1 debuted replacing the 3.1 Turbo option. For 92, the 3.1, LQ1, 3800, and the Quad was dropped. Same engine options in 93 as the 92 model year. Concerning the Lumina as it debuted in 1990, it could be had with the 2.5 Iron Duke 4 cylinder in order to compete with the 4 cylinder Taurus.
Transmission options were the 282 Getrag 5 speed manual. From 88-90. The 284 Getrag 5 speed manual from 91-93 (certain models). The 4T60E 4 speed automatic. Not sure of it's designation but a 3 speed automatic was also available although it's pretty rare in a W. I just found a junkyard 93 Grand Prix coupe coupled with it's 3.1 motor.
For 1994, the DIS was no longer offered on the Supreme but did carry on with the Grand Prix cars and still named DIC. The system moved from the top of the center console to the left side of the redesigned dual airbag dash by the AC/heater vent.
One note about the HUD units. They debuted in 1988 and two versions were available. I believe the Cutlass was the very first car to offer this feature ahead of anyone else. The first unit was a Hughes Electronic unit and offered from 88-90. The adjuster was on the side of the unit and it sat taller on the dash pad. The 2nd design was offered in 91-94. It was designed by GM, AC/Delco. Much slimmer design and the adjuster was moved to a different location, at the bottom right side of the center stack on the Supreme and under the right side control pod on the Grand Prix. Both versions were identical to each other with just the covers being differently shaped to accommodate the differently shaped dash pads. The greenish, bluish image is identical among both the Supreme and Prix. Looks a little bit out of place on the Grand Prix as it doesn't match the rest of the orange dash backlighting on those cars but matches the greenish, bluish dash backlighting on the Supreme.
Hope this clears some things up and if I've gotten anything wrong, please let me know.
@@jiggity76 Awesome info, thank you for taking the time to write all of that out. You obviously have a lot more knowledge on these cars than me but I was surprised how much I did remember. But I learned a lot of new info here too. Thanks again.
OMG, my 99 Grand Prix was loaded with issues and had the cheapest and worst out together interior of every W I have been in literally fell apart and the transmission died before 120k. I absolutely loved it, but quality it was not.
Dude, You have lost your mind. The Cutlass was way more popular than a Gran Prix, and still is. Junk yards are LOADED with Pontiacs. Taurus's too for that matter. I've owned Cutlass' and Cutlass Supreme's since before you were born boy! Currently have two, a 95 with 75'000 miles and a 97 with 407K which is my daily driver to and from work 124 miles a day and 25 MPG. Both are 4-door, 3.1 V6 w/4T60E trans. With exception of the Olds Alero, I challenge you to find a 92-97 Cutlass Supreme or any other Oldsmobile in a junkyard. Good luck and count the Pontiacs while your there.
Hey Jim, you seem a bit hostile at this video! I completely get why you love those cars, they are nice. I was just having that conversation with a viewer on here. But you do have a bias, which is fine. I mentioned a few times in this video that if I based it on my bias, this list would be MUCH different. I think you missed a big fact...the reason you see so many Pontiacs and even Taurus' in the yards is because there was so much more sold. Grand Prixs are still around...I see them driving on the roads (and I am talking late 80s early 90s ones). You know how many Supremes I see? 0
But that is not a fact on popularity, but my personal observation. What is fact? to make this video, I did a lot of research, and one of the things I did was get sales figures from the General. I couldn't get all sales numbers, but I got a lot. For example, in 1995, the Supreme sold approx 122300, and the GP sold 209500. This includes all trims and special editions. I compared recalls, issues, complaints, etc. The GP consistently outsold the Olds. It sold pretty consistently around the 110000-125000 mark, until 96, near end of life, where is sold 86600, then dropped more in 97. But I suppose that is understandable, as that happens to most end of life cars. There is no doubt these cars are good, but those are the facts old man. :) Good luck to you as well, and don't let videos get you worked up, even if they don't agree with you
I owned a Lumina for 24hrs
I take it, it didn't go very well? Returned? Accident?
Dang LOL my Chevy Lumina was rated the worst I've got a 93 four-door
Lol don't even worry about it. Stat wise, it was past. But dammit, I loved my 98 Lumina. If I were rating it personally, it would be way higher! 😁
Your information is so wrong. For example, on the Lumina as an example, you can’t just push 2 gens available. Also, average HP is pretty average for the time period and W bodies at the same time. Second gen for example offer the 3.1, which yours had and was the base model on nearly every W body and was the only winged offered on the last gen Century. You did horrible. We cannot in any way take your opinion. As someone who has had and had access to many W bodies, including both gen Liminas, Regal, Cutless Suoreme, and even my modified 2099 Grand Oeix GTO. Only the Suoeecharged Impala, Monte Carlo, Grand Prix, and Regal and the 2006 and newer W-Bodies with the 3.9 and V8, but again, very different gens. Also, if you want andninteogue, find a 3.8 and run far away from the short star.
They were all rental car fleet's...
Yeah they were, along with a lot of other cars, both good and bad.
I assume this comment is because I mentioned the Impala was a fleet car? If so, that's because those last few years they were only fleet cars, whereas in the previous years, the cars has fleet options and could be bought by consumers in dealerships
@@NexusAuto
No the Lumina, reagal cutlass supreme Pontiac Grand Prix all were rental fleet's in the 90s my 1st job was with Avis detailing them and getting new GM W body car's
@@ralphabreu5022 absolutely! They all were. Even the Olds Intrigue, last gen Grand Prix, Century. All were in rental fleets. Cool that you got to work with them at Avis
@@NexusAuto
Mostly Chevy Lumina's and Grand Prix.
Drove a Jaguar for luxury cars that Avis rented.
Drove a Catera Cadillac's version of the platform as the Lumina, Reagal cutlass supreme and Grand Prix.
You need to learn a lot more about the differences of these cars. The chassis are different from1988-1994
1995-2009. I understand the length of the video but there is more to these cars.
As for problems, any car over 10 years old is going to have issues. I have had many of these cars along with other brands. These cars are cheap to repair compared to it's Competition.
What about the bonneville lol 🤷🏼♂️🤷🏼♂️🤷🏼♂️🤷🏼♂️
Love the Bonneville! But it's not a Wbody
The ls4 cars are cheap but they can be hard to find 😡
I agree. They are very hard to come by, and getting harder all the time. Funny thing, I have a neighbor about 10 houses down from me who just bought a Grand Prix with an LS.
@@NexusAuto yes that is ture and man that’s awesome the GXPs are definitely cool !
what was the point of using that stupid stock market background noise?
It wasn't. After recording, the audio sounded good on playback. After processing the video, something went wrong and it sounded really bad. Just bad audio quality, I hate to admit. It wasnt even apparent until after I uploaded the video, and didn't want to bother re-record the whole thing. So i left it as is. Oh well.
To me Oldsmobile never made a good looking car.
I would say they never made a great looking car, but they weren't that. I like the last generation Aurora...those are pretty nice. And drove pretty smooth
Nexus Auto I would say that is pretty fair!
Internal combustion engine JUNK
lol L36's are weak.
Unless its and L36T or an L67, the vehicle lacks potential.
I just wish people would also stop doing induction before the do their PCM.
3800's of all caliber need the stock back pressure in order to operate properly.
A fenderwell with an aftermarket muffler is a bad plan.
And I had a super rare 88-89 Cutlas Supreme SL. The rare FWD 2 door model that ONLY sold in Canada and Europe. In white, with the AC Delco interior in blue.
It wasn't fast. At all. 🤣 But still was rare.
I don't know, I had the L36 in my 97 Grand Prix, and had some small work done, and that thing would rip other cars for sure. It was not as fast as the L67, but it pull hard. I enjoyed that car. My current L26 in my 05 keeps up with the L32s, due to the work done. It out corners them too. Tires/Brakes/Suspension trifecta was the first work I did.
I agree. A tune is necessary, otherwise you are not utilising the full potential of whatever you mod the engine with. PCM is essential if any work is going in.
I had to look up the Supreme SL. I know the Cutlass Supremes for sure, but was not familiar with this trim model. I see what you mean. I don't recall ever seeing those driving around, and If I did, I certainly did not know about their rarity. I see what you mean with the power and performance from the 2.8. the 0-60 is a lifetime lol. But they are nice looking, and they had a 5 speed option. Nice car to have for cruising around.
The audio sucks in this video just an fyi, sounds like your talking froma cheap cellphone in a tunnel, hard to finish the video listening to your every breath.
Thanks for the feedback. It has been brought up a couple of times. Honestly, prior to this video, all my videos were hands on work, and I didn't want to invest into audio equipment if the video was poorly received. It wasn't, people seemed to like it, so I did invest. Future videos had much better quality. Thanks for watching and once again for the feedback
@@NexusAuto the audio was just fine in this video in my opinion
@@Jason-fp7vi thanks, appreciate that feedback.
You say the word "um" way too much..... work on that
I try, but I'm not kidding on this, I have an injury that makes speech a bit hard. Pre 2011, I didn't do that. Post 2011, I do. Sorry it annoys you, but it is what it is